Two extra Mayo schools invited to join hot meals programme

AN extension of the Hot Schools Meals Programme by his government colleague, Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, which will benefit up to 16,000 additional primary school pupils in Ireland, has been welcomed by Deputy Alan Dillon.

This morning's announcement will see an additional two Mayo schools invited to join the programme - Dookinella National School in Keel, Achill, and Scoil Iosa, Convent Hill, Ballina.

Deputy Dillon explained: “These schools are currently availing of the cold lunch option under the School Meals Programme. Today’s announcement will enable primary school pupils to receive a hot nutritious meal every school day.”

Minister Humphreys has announced an extension of the programme to 81 DEIS schools across the country.

The extension involves a €3 million investment and it will benefit up to 16,000 primary school pupils who were previously availing of the cold lunch option.

Said the minister: “Receiving a hot meal in the middle of the day is so important for nutrition but also for a child’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“It also leads to better educational outcomes and an improvement in the overall wellbeing of our children.”

Added Deputy Dillon: “The Hot School Meals Programme is an important initiative in terms of a child’s wellbeing and nutrition. I hope that we can see further progress in the coming months that will result in future expansions of this really important programme once again.”