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THE Hot School Meals Programme will be extended to two primary schools in Kerry, including one in Tralee.
Presentation Primary School in Tralee and Scoil Naomh Micheal, Sneem, have been added to the programme where hot meals will be available to all pupils enrolled in these schools, which do not have canteen/kitchen facilities for preparation of the hot dinners on site.
The hot meal will replace the cold lunch option that had been in place previously. Each school must identify a supplier who will supply (prepare and deliver) the hot meals in line with HACCP and food safety regulations in compliance with the Healthy Ireland ‘Nutrition Standards for Hot School Meals.
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Schools will be expected to provide a menu choice of at least two different meals per day plus a Vegetarian/Vegan and an option that caters for students’ religious and cultural dietary requirements.
Kerry Fine Gael TD, Deputy Brendan Griffin welcomed the news saying: “The Hot Meals Programme is a major initiative to encourage school attendance when schools are open, when schools are closed and when classes are held virtually.
“As part of Budget 2021, my Fine Gael colleague Minister of Social Protection, Community and Rural Development Heather Humphreys provided an additional €5.5 million for the extension of the Hot School Meals with effect from January to 35,000 primary school children who had been availing of the Department’s School Meals Programme which provided cold lunch options only.
“In further welcome news, Minister Humphreys also announced today that funding under the School Meals Programme will continue during the upcoming Easter holidays for primary and second level schools.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, funding for the School Meals Programme had been confined to the academic year, however the Department of Social Protection has ensured that this support has continued throughout, including during term breaks and school holidays.
“I can reassure schools and parents in Kerry that the funding for the programme will also continue during the Easter break between 29th March and April 9th. This will be done through the provision of food parcels.
“The funding for the School Meals Programme throughout the entire school terms and holidays offers a security for many vulnerable of schoolchildren by ensuring that participating schools in Kerry can provide food parcels benefiting pupils during this time,” said Deputy Griffin.
