Hot school meals extended in Kildare

Another 32 schools in Kildare are set to benefit from an expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.

This will see an additional 131,700 children across 713 schools will have access to nutritious hot meals starting from today.

The Kildare schools added are: Athy Model School, St Laurence's NS Sallins, St David's, Scoil Choca Naofa, Primrose Hill, Hewetsons NS, Scoil na Cloiche Moire, Rathangan BNS, SN Bhride, SN Colmcill Naofa, Scoil Bhride, SN Naomh Lorcain, SN Scoil Treasa, Scoil na Mainistreach, Caragh NS, SN Cilll Daingin, San Carlo Junior NS, Scoil C Ui Dalaigh, St Patrick's BNS, Scoil Naisiunte Bhride, Scoil Ui Riada, North Kildare Educate Together, Gaelscoil Chill Dara, Scoil Ui Fiaich, Scoil Brid, Gaelscoil Nas Na Riogh, Naas Community NS, Leixlip Educate Together NS.

This brings the total number of primary school children across the country are now eligible to receive a hot school meal every day to 475,000.

Minister Martin Heydon said the allocation of additional schools in Kildare is part of this major expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme announced by the Government.

The programme, first established in 2019, will now be availed of by 2,850 primary schools across the country.

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

Welcoming the expansion for schools in Kildare, Minister Heydon said: “I am extremely proud of the Hot School Meals Programme and the positive impact it has had in schools right across the country.

“A hot school meal does wonders for our children in terms of their physical and mental health, as well as their educational output. It makes them happier and more productive."