Useful links:
Cashless News | Cashless Press Releases | sQuid schemes - Cashless

eMoney News

Schoolchildren's eating habits under scrutiny
18 Sep 2009

If the UK is serious about reforming schoolchildren's eating habits things need to change, according to a London Metropolitan University professor.

Jack Winkler, director of the Nutrition Policy Unit at the institution, said that schools and local shops need to build relationships to stop kids buying junk food instead of healthier school dinners, reports the Press Association.

Commenting at the Westminster Education Forum in central London, he suggested that "fringe shops" provide competition to the widespread plans to get Britain's youngsters eating more healthily during the school day.

One method for parents to keep a check on their offspring's eating habits at school is the use of a contactless smart card from eCash network sQuidcard.

Such a cashless catering system from the company was established at Sheldon School in Chippenham and St Augustine's Catholic College in Trowbridge earlier this year.

Adam Smith, managing director of sQuidcard, said at the time that the technology "removes the need to have cash at the school and gives parents a way to ensure that money is spent on lunches".