Education Minister John O’Dowd has encouraged families to take up their entitlement to free school meals after thousands of children missed out last year.A total of 97,715 pupils across Northern Ireland were eligible in 2014 but almost 20% did not avail of the service.Highlighting the benefits of school dinners, Mr O’Dowd encouraged those who have not yet applied to do so.“A school meal contributes to a child’s healthy balanced diet, their growth and development, their educational performance and their long-term health and well-being,” he explained.“However, too many families are not accessing the free school meals they are entitled to.“I therefore encourage any parents who think they might be eligible to contact the Education Authority for advice.”