Three Longford schools to benefit from expansion of Hot School Meals Programme

Three county Longford national schools - Tashinny National School, Colehill; Naomh Earnán National School, Killashee and St Patrick’s National School, Dromard - have been approved for inclusion in the Hot School Meals Programme. 

The announcement of 713 additional schools, brings the total number of participating schools nationally to 2,850 and will see over 475,000 primary school children eligible to receive a hot meal each school day.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Micheál Carrigy said, “I am delighted to see three Longford schools included in today’s rollout of the Hot School Meals Programme. This initiative has already proven to be a game-changer for children across the country, and I know the benefits it will bring to families and students.

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“Having access to a hot, nutritious meal during the school day not only supports children’s physical health but also helps improve concentration, school attendance, and overall well-being. It’s about making sure every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive in the classroom.”

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Deputy Carrigy also welcomed the parallel announcement of a review of nutritional standards in the programme. This review, to be led by a dietician and overseen by the Department of Health, will focus on improving the quality of food provided and ensuring it meets the highest health standards.

“I fully support the move to remove foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the programme menus from September 2025. This is about giving our children the best possible start — not just in education but in lifelong health.”

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Deputy Carrigy is encouraging any remaining schools not yet in the programme to register their interest with the Department of Social Protection. “This programme is a clear example of how targeted investment in children’s welfare delivers real, measurable benefits. I’ll continue working to ensure all Longford schools can access this support.”

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The Department will now write to the 713 newly approved schools with guidance on next steps, and will also launch a consultation process as part of the nutritional standards review.