Among many pledges made during the 2007 election campaigns, First District candidate Andrew Fahie promised to bring free school lunches to all students in the territory.
After winning the election and taking up the post of education minister, he continued to tout that plan, explaining that it would help ensure that students eat healthier meals.
Now, four years and one consultancy later, a pilot school lunch programme is coming to fruition at the Elmore Stoutt High School, but it’s only free for students who demonstrate a financial need, he said on Friday.
Starting in two weeks when ESHS students return to classes, 14 private food vendors will set up shop on the school’s campus, according to the minister.
Students who patronise those vendors will have to pay for their food, but one government vendor will provide meals at a reduced price or for free for students whose parents fit into a certain income bracket, Mr. Fahie said.
See the Aug. 25, 2011 edition for full coverage.