Free school meals in Scotland has seen uptake increase from 53% to 75% – but too many children ignore the healthy option, according to a new report. The Scottish Government's initiative to offer free school meals for P1 to P3 pupils has seen demand increase. But new research from the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) on five pilot schemes in Scotland found although uptake increased, many children only ate the elements of the meals they liked, leaving vegetables and soup. APSE chief executive, Paul O'Brien, said ‘significant' additional funding and a way to get children to eat healthy options were key to the success of the project.