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From:Department of Social Protection

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, today published the reports of two independent studies examining food standards and student, parent and teacher experience on the school meals programme.

Announcing the publications, Minister Calleary said:

“Ensuring that children have access to healthy, nutritious food is a key priority for this Government. We are committed to building an education system that works for all children, and the Schools Meals Programme plays an important role in achieving that goal. By providing regular, nutritious meals, we are helping children to fully engage in their education, while at the same time reducing the costs faced by their parents. The State invests €300m each year in School Meals programme. It saves a family with two children in primary school around €1,152 per year. This shows that value of the scheme is not just the educational benefit but also the support it provides to families in reducing their own direct household expenses.”

“Understandably, as the programme expanded at pace, some concerned parents and others raised questions regarding food quality and waste. On the other hand, previous surveys covering schools already in the programme indicated a high degree of satisfaction overall. While we should never let the perfect get in the way of the good, we should always strive to be the best we can. That is why I was keen to get to the bottom of these different perspectives and understand what we might do better. In particular, I wanted to get an independent assessment of food standards by a qualified dietician to supplement a survey of student, teacher, parent and supplier opinions.”

“I am pleased to see that the reports indicate a generally high standard of food provision and a high level of overall satisfaction. I am also pleased that they provide an independent and objective view of those areas where we can improve the programme.I will immediately begin to act on those recommendations for improvement.”

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton said:

“The Hot School Meals Programme is one of the most important supports available to children and young people in our education system. Ensuring that pupils have access to a nutritious, balanced meal during the school day not only supports their health and wellbeing, but also enhances learning outcomes, attendance and participation in school life.

I fully support the continued expansion and delivery of the programme and welcome the valuable findings from both the nutritional review and the survey of children, parents and teachers. These insights will help to ensure that the programme continues to meet the needs of students and reflects best practice in nutrition and service delivery.”

Key findings from these studies include:

IPSOS Behaviour & Attitudes Survey

The Nutrition Review report and National Survey results are available here:Report on Nutrition Review of the Hot School Meals Programme.

The IPSOS Behaviours and Attitudes Survey.