The School Meals Programme provides funds towards food services for disadvantaged school children.
The scheme will be extended to an additional 310 schools who were recently declared as DEIS schools. They are being invited to participate in this programme.
There are two schemes in the programme, including:
The statutory Urban School Meals Scheme for primary schools that is operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department of Social Protection.
The non-statutory School Meals Local Projects Scheme provides funding directly from the Department of Social Protection to primary schools, secondary schools and local groups and voluntary organisations which operate their own school meals projects.
Read more: Budget 2023: Everything we know so far from social welfare changes to child benefit
How to qualify
Projects are targeted at children in disadvantaged areas or at those with special needs. Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) are prioritised when it comes to funding.
However, there is no automatic entitlement to funding and all applications are considered in light of the available budget for the scheme. This scheme is for food only, which must be of suitable quality and nutritional value, and prepared and consumed in an appropriate environment.
What’s available
Breakfast/ Snack
Max rate of payment per child €0.60 which includes two items. An example of food provided includes: one serving of wholemeal/wholegrain cereal or bread PLUS one serving of fruit OR one serving of milk, yogurt or cheese.
Lunch
Max rate of payment per child €1.40 which includes one small item, one substantial item and a drink. An example of food provided includes: Wholemeal/wholegrain sandwich or roll containing one serving meat, poultry, egg or cheese and one serving salad PLUS one serving fruit PLUS a drink (for example: water, milk, unsweetened juice).
Dinner
Max rate of payment per child €1.90 which includes hot meal and drink. An example of food provided includes: one serving meat, poultry, egg, beans PLUS one serving potatoes, pasta or rice PLUS two servings vegetables/fruit PLUS a drink (Milk, Water, Unsweetened Juice).
Hot Meal
Max rate of payment per child €2.40 which includes a hot meal per nutritional standards document.
Apply
Applications should be submitted before the school year starts. Applications for funding must be made using the Department of Social Protection application form for the School Meals Local Projects Scheme.
A separate copy of page three of the form must be completed in respect of each food club. For example, if a school operates a breakfast club and a lunch club, two separate copies of page three must be submitted with the application.
To find out more you can visit Gov.ie/SchoolMealsScheme.
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