A review of the hot school meals scheme must be carried out to assess the nutritional standard of food being served to children, according to Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins.
Deputy Cummins, who is the party’s education spokesperson, said:
“While the planned expansion of this initiative is welcome, concerns have been expressed by some teachers and health experts about the quality of food being provided to schools.
“Not only have they questioned the nutritional content of meals, but they have also raised issues around food waste and single-use packaging.
“In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Department of Social Protection will extend the scheme to all remaining primary schools this year. This means hot meals will be available to 550,000 children in approximately 3,200 schools.
“However, there should be a review of how the programme is operating to ensure that children are not being served processed food, and that portion sizes are appropriate for their age.
“There must also be a full analysis of food and packaging waste levels so steps can be taken to limit the scheme’s environmental impact.
“The hot school meals scheme has the potential to be a game-changer, particularly for children from poorer socio-economic backgrounds – but it is important that we get it right.”
February 6, 2025