Showing the value of a school meal

The scheme, which will take place from 26 to 30 January, will ask children to donate an extra 10p each time they have a school meal during the week which will be directly channelled into providing a nutritious meal for children attending WFP's school feeding programme in countries such as Cambodia, Kenya and Zambia. Research shows that providing a school meal in the developing world can dramatically increase school attendance, boost children's performance in the classroom and help them reach their full physical and mental potential. In 2008 alone, the World Food Programme aims to help at least 20 million children through its school feeding projects. School children can get involved with the campaign by visiting www.getreal.uk.com/really-good-school-dinner to pledge how many school meals they will have during the week. They can create their own avatar, which will sit at their school table in a virtual canteen, and see how their school compares to others. Children will also get an insight into just how their money will help children with video footage from Nairobi and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Pop star Jamelia, who will visit Kenya in January to see first hand the work of the UN World Food Programme, said: "When I grew up everyone was always told how lucky they were to have a meal on the table. This campaign brings that home because by donating an extra 10p, when children empty their own plate in England they will be helping fill another in the developing world." Caroline Hurford, from the World Food Programme, commented: "Food is so important to help children learn but more crucially, many parents in these countries will not send their children, especially their daughters, to school unless they are provided with lunch. The Really Good School Dinner will mean more children eating and learning throughout the world." The Really Good School Dinner is part of the School Food Trust's 'Get Real' campaign that aims to raise awareness amongst children of the importance of healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. The Really Good School Dinner will be available to both primary and secondary school children all over England.