More Waterford schools to be added to free Hot Meals Programme

More than 20 additional primary schools across Waterford will have access to hot meals after the Easter break, as part of a major expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

The Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, has announced that 713 additional primary schools across the country have been approved for inclusion in the programme which was first rolled out in 2019.

The announcement means some 2,850 Primary Schools across the country are now eligible to receive Hot School Meals with almost 50 of them located in Waterford.

The Department says it will also be engaging with any primary schools not currently signed up, to encourage them to participate.

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Announcing the expansion of the Hot Meals Programme, the Minister also confirmed that a review of the nutritional standards for the scheme will be completed by a dietician who will be supervised by the Department of Health and in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals.

A report on the nutritional standards is to be submitted to the minister by the end of 2025.

“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," commented Minister Calleary who added that the Government is committed to expanding and improving 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,"  he said.

Primary schools in Waterford to be added to the scheme

Our Lady Of Mercy N S, Ballyduff N S, Passage East N S, Glenbeg N S, Ballyduff B 2 N S, S N Na Cille, S N Na Leanai, S N An Carraig Liath, S N Deaglan, S N An Baile Nua, Knockanore N S, Fionnabhair N S, S N Dun Aill, S N Dun Na Mainistreach, Whitechurch N S Ceapach, S N Aine Nfa Seafield, S N Naomh Parthalan, Christ Church N S, Holy Cross School, Gaelscoil Philib Barún, Gaelscoil Na Ndeise, Waterpark N S, Tramore Educate Together National School.