Introduction of pre-school lunches programme will benefit 22 Mayo pre-schools
MINISTER Dara Calleary has hailed the introduction of the Bia Blasta initiative announced today by his colleague Minister Norma Foley.
Bia Blasta is a €4.2 million programme that will provide nutritious daily lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas. The scheme is part of Equal Start, delivering real support where it’s needed most.
Some of the pre-schools in Mayo getting support through this initiative are as follows: Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd; Ballyhaunis Community Preschool; Bangor Erris Children Centre; Belmont Montessori; Comharchumann Naionra Beal An Atha Teo; Footsteps; Haven Community Childcare Centre; Joanna’s Preschool; Junior Junction Preschool; Keel Childcare Ltd (Suantrai); Kiddies Korner; Little VIP’s; Making Memories Preschool; Naiona Gleann na Muaidhe; Naionra Acaill; Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta; Naíonra Beal an Muirthead; Naionra Dhun Chaochain; Naíonra Montessori; Naionra Na hEachleime Eachleim; and Tír na nÓg.
Speaking on the launch of the scheme, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to be informed of the Bia Blasta, a pre-school nutritious programme, being announced today by Minister Norma Foley.
“Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle. Through this initiative, it will ensure 25,000 pre-school children in disadvantaged areas have access to healthy nutritious meals during their time in pre-school.”
Minister Calleary added: “This initiative will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food.
“Bia Blasta is offering children in disadvantaged areas real support, and I am delighted today to hear that 22 in my own constituency have been included in the initiative.”
A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven, ensuring access to the scheme is made easier for participants.