Revealed: the Meath preschools set to benefit from free lunch funding
Funding under the Bia Blasta programme has been announced to provide daily lunches for pre-school children attending 13 early years services across County Meath.
Across Ireland, approximately €4.2 million in funding will ensure that 25,000 children attending early learning and care services receive a nutritious meal every day.
The Minister for Youth and Education and Meath East TD, Helen McEntee said: "This is another major step towards ensuring that all children have the very best start in life, and I look forward to seeing the further expansion of the programme in the future."
Bia Blasta, which translates to “Delicious Food,” is a school nutrition programme aimed at pre-school children in disadvantaged areas. During mealtimes, young students will have the opportunity to learn about healthy and nutritious food choices while participating in preparation, sharing, and clearing of meals.
Little Angels Pre-School, Navan Travellers Workshops
Navan Educate Together Childcare Services
Navan Educational Enhancement Project
Scoil Naomh Eoin School Age Care (NSCP)
The Village Preschool and Afterschool, Nobber
Meanwhile Children, Disability, and Equality Minister Norma Foley TD said: "There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing."
The programme includes €3.2m for meals and an additional €1m for schools to purchase essential equipment such as fridges, freezers, ovens, and dishwashers to support meal provision.
This initiative is the first of its kind to provide meals for children attending the free, universal two-year preschool programme under the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme.
While full-day care centres already provide two meals and two snacks, free three-hour preschools typically do not offer meals. The Bia Blasta funding is to prioritise providing lunches to these three-hour preschool students, ensuring children in disadvantaged areas receive nutritious meals during their early learning experience.