Parents in Meath encouraged to have their say on Hot School Meals Programme
A survey on the Hot School Meals Programme in Meath has been launched to help ensure children continue to receive the most nutritious and high-quality meals possible.
The programme introduced on a pilot basis in 2019, has since expanded to 3,200 eligible schools nationally, providing meals to around 550,000 children.
Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray said the programme was introduced so that “no child should be held back by hunger.”
“This next phase is about refining and improving the programme so it continues to support children’s health and education,” the Meath West senator said.
The survey will give parents, guardians, teachers and meal providers a direct opportunity to shape the next stage of the scheme.
The online questionnaire examines issues such as food waste, the suitability of centrally cooked meals versus on-site preparation, and whether current menus adequately accommodate allergies or plain eating preferences.
Participants will also be invited to offer suggestions for improvements.
The feedback will be shared with Government colleagues and used to inform the next phase of the Hot School Meals Programme.
Senator Nelson Murray said the initiative has already received “strong engagement” from families and schools, with thousands of comments highlighting its positive impact on children’s health, wellbeing and learning.
“The Hot School Meals Programme has already transformed the school day for thousands of children in Meath,” she said.
“This survey will ensure we take the next steps to make it even better and ensure it remains a strong support in the future.”