Wicklow Pre-Schools Boosted By News Of New Free Lunch Scheme

A new scheme will focus on providing lunch for school children to reduce the risk of children going hungry or missing meals.

Various early learning and care services across Co. Wicklow are to receive daily meals with dedicated funding under a new scheme called Bia Blasta.

The focus of the plan is to reduce hunger and the risk of children missing out on meals, with an emphasis on helping those in disadvantaged areas. 

A total of €3.2m is available under the programme with €1m also set aside to purchase approved items such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers, hobs and ovens.

The programme also provides children in three-hour free pre-school programmes with lunch boxes.

Tánaiste Simon Harris TD has today announced children in 24 Wicklow pre-schools will get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services. Simon Harris commented:

“ This is welcome news. Fine Gael started the school meals programme to ensure every child benefits from a meal during the school day.

“Today, we are announcing we are extending a similar scheme in pre-schools with a focus on those in disadvantaged areas.

“There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will improve their attention levels and overall wellbeing.

“I want to thank to all of the dedicated early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners working to deliver this model.” 

The list of Wicklow schools to benefit include:

Ballons Preschool

Ballyflanigan Montessori

Bellevue Preschool and Afterschool

Bray Family Resource & Development Centre Ltd.

Early Days Academy

Forever Friends Pre-school

Happy Faces community playgroup

Hazelbrook

Kids Aloud

Kidz Ink Childcare

Little Acorns

Little Bray Afterschools Service

Little bunnies Montessori

Little Oaks Bray

Little Rascals Playschool

LMNO Childcare

Marian Centre

Marian Centre (Ballywaltrim)

Marian Centre (St. Peters School)

Naionra Lacain

R.O.S Early Years Arklow

Ravenswell After School Service

St. Fergals Resource Centre

Treasures Montessori