O’Shea Calls for Improvements to Hot School Meals Programme following Major National Survey

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has today welcomed the publication of a major national survey on the Hot School Meals Programme, saying the findings provide a clear roadmap to strengthen and improve the scheme for children, parents and schools.

The survey, led by Senator Linda Nelson Murray, gathered over 8,000 responses from parents, teachers, school leaders, suppliers and other stakeholders across the country.

Deputy O’Shea said “This is one of the most comprehensive pieces of feedback we’ve seen on the Hot School Meals Programme, and it is hugely valuable as the scheme continues to expand. The programme has been transformative in ensuring that no child goes hungry at school, but it is essential that it continues to evolve based on real experiences from families and educators.”

The survey highlights a number of key issues, including concerns around food quality, taste and freshness, as well as the impact of centralised cooking models on participation rates. It also points to increased food waste and dissatisfaction following recent nutritional changes.

Deputy O’Shea added “It is clear from this feedback that while the programme is making a real difference, there are practical improvements that can and should be made. We need to ensure that meals are not only nutritious but also appealing to children, so that they are actually eaten and not wasted.”

Among the key recommendations identified in the report are the introduction of both hot and cold meal options, a review of portion sizes to reflect children’s ages, and greater flexibility for parents to opt in or out of the scheme.

Deputy O’Shea said these are sensible, common-sense proposals. “Providing a choice between hot and cold meals would make a significant difference for many children. Similarly, reviewing portion sizes is a straightforward step that could greatly reduce unnecessary food waste, particularly among younger pupils.”

The report also calls for a pilot programme to extend the Hot School Meals Scheme into secondary schools, particularly in DEIS schools. Deputy O’Shea welcomed this proposal. “There is a clear gap when students transition from primary to secondary school. A pilot scheme at second level would be an important step in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment and ensuring continuity of support for students who need it most.”

Concluding, Deputy O’Shea emphasised the importance of acting on the findings. “This programme represents a significant investment by the State, and rightly so. But we must ensure that it is delivering the best possible outcomes for children and families. I will be working with colleagues across Government to ensure that these recommendations are carefully considered and implemented where appropriate.”