title: Factors influencing take-up of free school meals in primary- and secondary-school children in England.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present study sought to explore the factors that influence registration for free school meals and the subsequent take-up following registration in England.
  
  
  METHODS
  The research design consisted of two phases, a qualitative research phase followed by an intervention phase. Findings are presented from the qualitative research phase, which comprised interviews with head teachers, school administrators, parents and focus groups with pupils.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study took place in four primary schools and four secondary schools in Leeds, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included head teachers, school administrators, parents and pupils.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings suggested that parents felt the registration process to be relatively straightforward although many secondary schools were not proactive in promoting free school meals. Quality and choice of food were regarded by both pupils and parents as significant in determining school meal choices, with stigma being less of an issue than originally anticipated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Schools should develop proactive approaches to promoting free school meals and attention should be given not only to the quality and availability of food, but also to the social, cultural and environmental aspects of dining. Processes to maintain pupils' anonymity should be considered to allay parents' fear of stigma.
authors.affiliation: 1 Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Metropolitan University, Calverley Street, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK.
authors.forename: Pinki
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sahota
authors.affiliation: 1 Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Metropolitan University, Calverley Street, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK.
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Woodward
authors.affiliation: 2 Education Leeds, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Molinari
authors.affiliation: 3 School of Education, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: Jo
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pike
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004032:Diet / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D004739:England; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D063105:Food Assistance; D063427:Food Quality; D005522:Food Services / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D010290:Parents; D011203:Poverty; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012574:Schools; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students