23 Waterford schools begin serving hot meals to students
The Hot School Meals scheme has been expanded to a further 23 schools across Waterford.
A further expansion to the Hot School Meals Programme in Waterford means that students in an additional 23 schools will be provided with hot meals.
Speaking on the positive development this week, Minister John Cummins said that the programme will continue to expand.
“More children are having a hot meal every day with this important initiative and it helps with school attendance, educational outcomes for pupils and, importantly, they can learn and play with their friends without concerns about hunger.
“I welcome the move to ensure meals provided to children in our schools are more nutritious in this successful programme, which will continue to expand and improve.
"Work is also underway to reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.”
The Government has also announced a review of the nutritional standards and the removal of the optional food that is high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the school meal menus, which will happen from September 2025.
The Hot School Meals Programme, which started from a small pilot of just 30 schools nationwide, has grown considerably since being implemented.
Over 475,000 children in 2,850 primary schools nationwide are now eligible to receive hot school meals.
The additional 23 Waterford schools that will be able to access the Hot Schools Programme are: Our Lady of Mercy National School, Ballyduff National School, Passage East National School, Glenbeg National School, Ballyduff B 2 National School, S N Na Cille, S N Na Leanai, S N An Carraig Liath, S N Deaglan, S N An Baile Nua, Knockanore National School, Fionnabhair National School, S N Dun Aill, S N Dun Na Mainstreach, Whitechurch N S Ceapach, S N Aine Nfa Seafield, S N Naomh Parthalan, Christ Church National School, Holy Cross School, Gaelscoil Philib Barún, Gaelscoil Na Ndeise, Waterpark National School, Tramore Educate Together National School.
Commenting on the Hot School Meals expansion, Minister Helen McEntee said: “The Hot School Meals Programme is having a really positive impact on students right across the country and I am delighted that it is being expanded.
“More children having hot meals will help with school attendance, help with educational outcomes for students, and above all ensure that children can learn, play and make friends without concerns about hunger.
“The removal of optional meals with higher levels of fat, sugar and salt from menus will ensure that not only will students have access to hot meals, but they will also be more nutritious as well.
"I would encourage any primary schools who are currently not taking part in the scheme to do so."
