28 Additional Wicklow Schools To Receive Hot School Meals Programme in 2024

Children across Wicklow are in line to benefit from the further extension of the Hot School Meals Programme in April 2024, says Minister Simon Harris.

Speaking on this news Minister Simon Harris said: “This latest extension will mean an additional 900 across the country, including 28 schools in Wicklow, will benefit from this amazing and transformational programme from next year.

“This is huge news for parents, children and schools across the country and shows the commitment this Government has when it comes to providing for children and rolling out this programme as far and wide across county Wicklow and the country. 

“Speaking to families who already have children that benefit from this programme I have seen first-hand the difference this can make to everyday life for parents and children, the benefits are immeasurable.

“The main objective of the Hot School Meals Programme is to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, can access regular, nutritious food so that they can take full advantage of the education provided to them.

 “I firmly believe that every child should be given an equal start in life and it’s the job of us in Government to ensure every child reaches their full potential and doesn’t lack from anything especially at a young age. The expansion of the scheme ensures that even more children across Wicklow will benefit.

 “As part of this significant expansion plan, primary schools were contacted and requested to submit an expression of interest form if their school was interested in being included in the scheme. This has resulted in 900 additional schools taking part.

 “The Hot School Meals Programme is a major initiative to encourage school attendance and will continue to help tackle the issue of educational disadvantage.

 “From April next year there will be over 1,400 primary schools benefitting from Hot School Meals, many of these from Wicklow

 “Families in Wicklow can count on me to push for a further extension in the years to come of the Hot School Meals programme”, concluded Minister  Harris

 The additional schools in Wicklow that are in line to benefit in 2024 are: