Summary:
The School Meals Scheme provides funding towards the provision of food services for school children. It operates through two schemes: the statutory Urban School Meals Scheme for primary schools, and the non-statutory School Meals Local Projects Scheme for primary and secondary schools, and local groups and voluntary organisations. The Hot School Meals will be extended to all remaining primary schools on a phased basis from April 2025.
Eligibility:
The funding is for food only, which must be of suitable quality and nutritional value, and prepared and consumed in an appropriate environment. The type and range of meals provided are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the projects.
Funding Amount:
The funding is based on a rate of payment per meal, per child, per day. The rates effective from 1 January 2023 are: Breakfast/Snack – €0.75, Lunch – €1.70, Dinner – €2.50, Hot Meal – €3.20.
How to Apply:
Funding is allocated on a school year basis. An application for funding must be made each year using the Department of Social Protection application form for the School Meals Local Projects Scheme. Schools that got funding and want to apply for the following year must also complete the Income and Expenditure form (SMLPS2).
