National survey will strengthen Hot School Meals Programme – Nelson Murray

A major national survey on the Hot School Meals Programme has begun today.

Hot School Meals are available to all primary school pupils since 2019.

Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray said the programme has been a major success with a nationwide rollout but now is the time to build on that and improve it even further.

Senator Nelson Murray launched the survey today and is asking all parents and teachers to participate in the online survey to ensure the next stage of hot school meals is even more successful. It is available at: finegael.ie/hotschoolmeals.

The Meath Senator said now is the time to build on the successful rollout to ensure primary schools are being afforded the very best in terms of nutritious options for our children.

“Fine Gael is proud to have introduced the hot school meals. This survey will give parents and teachers the chance to shape the next stage of the programme and ensure children get the very best options in school.”

“It will give all who participate a direct opportunity to shape the next stage of the scheme,” Senator Nelson Murray said.

The survey takes less than five minutes to complete.

Questions range about the variety and nutritional value of meals, what children enjoy, whether dietary needs are being met, and whether there is sufficient choice between hot and cold options.

The survey will also address issues such as food waste, the suitability of centrally cooked meals versus on-site preparation, and whether parents feel the current menus accommodate allergies or plain eating habits.

Participants will also be invited to offer suggestions for improving the programme.

Senator Nelson Murray said the feedback gathered will be shared with Government colleagues and used to inform the next phase of the Hot School Meals Programme.

She said the initiative has already got strong engagement from families and schools, with thousands of comments highlighting its positive impact on children’s health, wellbeing and learning.

Senator Nelson Murray concluded by saying, “This is about perfecting the system. By listening the families and schools, we can ensure the School Meals Scheme remains a cornerstone of supporting children’s health and learning for many years to come.”

The scheme was first implemented by Minister Regina Doherty in 2019 in 36 pilot schools before Minister Heather Humphreys built on it and rolled it out further.

Since last September, there are 3,200 eligible schools in respect of 550,000 children.