Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed today’s announcement by his party colleague and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary of the expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme.
The Programme will be expanded to a further 713 primary schools across the country, including 60 additional schools across counties Louth and Meath.
Deputy McGreehan described the move as a “game-changer” for families and school communities, and said the rollout will ensure many more children across Louth and Meath benefit from access to a nutritious, hot meal each day at school.
“This is a huge step forward for schools and families across Louth and Meath. I’m delighted that 60 more schools across the constituency have been approved to begin receiving Hot School Meals from this month.
“Hot meals can make a real difference to a child’s ability to focus and participate fully in their school day. This programme not only supports nutrition and wellbeing, but also school attendance and educational outcomes.”
The Hot School Meals Programme, which began as a small pilot in just 30 schools, now covers 2,850 primary schools nationwide and is providing hot meals to over 475,000 children. The 60 newly approved schools across Louth and Meath will be contacted by the Department of Social Protection in the coming days to begin implementation.
Within todays announcement, Minister Calleary also highlighted that the programmes nutritional standards will be reviewed and strengthened with the removal of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods from menus from September 2025.
“As well as expanding access, it’s vital we maintain high nutritional standards. The upcoming nutritional review and the move to remove unhealthy options will make sure children are healthier in their school environment.”
Deputy McGreehan encouraged any primary schools across his constituency that have not yet signed up to consider participating.
McGreehan is committed to supporting local schools and suppliers as they transition into the scheme.
“I’ll continue to work closely with schools and parents to make sure this programme delivers for every community.”
“Today’s announcement is further evidence that Fianna Fáil in government is committed to ensuring that many more children and communities right across the country benefit from this programme.” she concluded.
For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.
ENDS
Notes to the Editors:
A full list of the 713 schools approved for Hot School Meals can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2fc8d-hot-school-meals-list-2025/?referrer=https://www.gov.ie/HotSchoolMeals2025/
