Another batch of Limerick schools to avail of hot meals programme for students

TWENTY-eight schools in Limerick are set to benefit from a further expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, announced the news that 713 additional primary schools have been added to the programme as part of the latest expansion of the scheme, with 28 of those in Limerick.

Welcoming the expansion for schools in Limerick, Minister Patrick O’Donovan said: “I am extremely proud of the Hot School Meals Programme and the positive impact it has had in schools right across the country.

“A hot school meal does wonders for our children in terms of their physical and mental health, as well as their educational output. It makes them happier and more productive, while also giving parents peace of mind that their children are being fed while at school.

“This is a programme that has gone from strength to strength over the years. I look forward to working with the successful schools in Limerick in rolling out this scheme for the benefit of their students.”

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A full list of the latest Limerick schools to be added to the programme above

This brings the total number of primary school children across the country now eligible to receive a hot school meal every day to 475,000.

Meals that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt will be removed from the programme from September 2025, as part of this latest announcement. The Minister has asked for a report on the nutritional standards to be submitted to him by the end of 2025.

Announcing the expansion, Minister Calleary said: “The Hot School Meals Programme has expanded from a small pilot of just 30 schools to a nationwide programme which now makes nutritious hot meals available to all primary schools across the country. It has been an extremely successful programme and I want to ensure that we continue to build on the great success of the scheme. 

“Nutritional standards are a priority for me and for the Government. I have asked for a review of the scheme’s nutritional standards and this will be conducted by a dietician based out of the Department of Health. I have asked for a report on the nutritional standards be submitted to me by the end of the year.

“Under the Programme for Government we will continue to expand and improve the Hot School Meals Programme. We will also ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals and the dietary requirements of students. We are also working to reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.”

Minister for Education Helen McEntee added:“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, as it will only benefit schools.”