THE GOVERNMENT has confirmed a continuation of funding for the Schools Meals Programme.
Following the extended Covid-19 restrictions which will see schools closed until at least April 19, the Government has issued new guidelines to help schools continue the programme.
“This will ensure that nutritious food gets to many thousands of young people who need it the most,” a statement said.
“The Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs devised updated guidelines for the 1,580 schools and organisations in the programme as they set out to source and supply meals during the extended closures.”
Schools will allowed to maintain the service during the Easter holidays and are asked to consider providing weekly boxes of non-perishable, nutritious goods.
Tusla Education Support Service will communicate with all Home School Community Liaison Coordinators and School Completion Programmes and ask staff in those services to liaise with principals where they work to ensure that children/families in need of the School Meals Programme are identified and supported.
Schools have also been advised that if their current provider is unavailable to continue the service they can look at other options, such as a local charity in the community providing food or meals or sourcing supplies from an alternative provider or retailer.