Ireland Plans Changes to Free School Meals Scheme Amid Food Waste and Nutrition Concerns
Dublin: The government is preparing to introduce changes to Ireland’s free school meals scheme following two government-commissioned reviews that raised concerns about food waste and the nutritional quality of meals being served to children.
Among the measures being considered is the introduction of a cold meal option alongside the existing hot lunch programme, giving children and parents greater choice.
While the scheme has been described as broadly successful, Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary said improvements are needed to ensure that the nutritional quality of meals provided to children is maintained.
One of the reviews found that, of approximately 500,000 hot meals distributed each day, around 100,000 are not eaten in full. It also found that 11.1 per cent of food waste is linked to children being absent from school.
The scheme was extended to all primary schools by September 2025 and currently benefits more than 550,000 children across approximately 3,200 schools. The government has also announced plans to extend the programme to secondary schools, although a specific timeline has not yet been confirmed.
Portion Sizes to Reflect Children’s Ages
A key proposal is to change the way meals are portioned according to the age of the child.
At present, children of substantially different ages can receive similar portion sizes, meaning a five-year-old and a 15-year-old may receive the same quantity of food.
The review found that older children may not be receiving sufficient calories from the meals currently provided. Changes will also be considered to address the specific nutritional requirements of children attending special schools.
Minister Calleary said the government would examine the introduction of a three-week rotating menu, along with the provision of cold lunches where requested by parents.
The government aims to introduce the changes during the 2027–28 academic year, following consultation with schools and food suppliers.
Calleary said the scheme could save a family of four approximately €1,100 a year. However, he acknowledged that food waste remains a significant challenge, with pupil absenteeism also contributing to the problem.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has also indicated that further measures will be taken to improve food quality and reduce waste.
Concerns Over Nutritional Quality
The nutritional quality of meals provided under the scheme, which costs almost €300 million, has previously come under scrutiny.
Concerns about processed foods, nutritional standards and transparency in food preparation were also raised before the Oireachtas Education Committee.
Experts who assessed 360 food products from 15 suppliers and visited 54 schools found that, while the menus included healthy options, some products were high in fat, salt and sugar.
Parents Back Choice of Cold Meals
A comprehensive survey was also conducted to examine parents’ views on introducing cold meal options.
The survey found that three out of four children eat all or part of the food provided under the scheme. Meanwhile, 63 per cent of teachers and school principals said the programme had a generally positive impact on their schools.
A significant majority of parents — 84 per cent — said children should have the option of choosing a cold lunch.
The reviews recommend setting portion sizes according to children’s ages and giving pupils the choice between hot and cold meals.
The Government hopes that allowing children greater choice over the food they receive will improve satisfaction, encourage healthier eating and ultimately reduce the amount of food being wasted.
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