School meal or packed lunches

[vickibee]

My DS has just started reception and is already pestering for a packed lunch. Says he doesn't like dinners. The real reason is because and older friend with whom he sits also has a oacked luch. He is not eating the meals so it is essentially a waste on money and a hungry child. Shall I perservere with meals or let him take a pack-up?
What do other people do?
BTW he always took a packed lunch to his preschool

DS has school dinners everyday. I think a hot school dinner far better than sandwich in the winter. Also when he stays on to do an after school activity I know he will not be starving. Yes it's more expensive than a packed lunch but then beans on toast/soup will do for tea.