Coole NS added to Hot School Meals Programme

Coole NS is to be included in the Hot School Meals Programme from September, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, TD, announced last week. It is one of 168 additional primary schools approved for the programme, and one of almost 2,200.

Minister Peter Burke said it will offer a “great boost” to pupils ahead of the next school term. “The programme forms part of Ireland’s commitment under the European Child Guarantee to give all children access to a range of key services, including healthcare and nutrition. It is a great scheme and is beneficial for primary school children here in Westmeath.

“I want more schools across the constituency to have the programme extended to them as soon as possible and I am working with Minister Humphreys to make that happen.

“The programme has been a great success and on my school visits around the constituency, it is always commented on and welcomed by pupils, parents and teachers,” Minister Burke said.

The hot school meals programme was introduced as a pilot project at 30 schools, and programme has grown significantly in recent years. The 168 new primary schools approved last week expressed an interest in joining the initiative last year.

The Dept for Social Protection has this year contacted all of the remaining primary schools that have not yet joined the scheme asking them to submit expressions of interest. The responses will be reviewed with the aim of including more schools subject to available funding in Budget 2025.

The objective of the school meals programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them.