Three local national schools added to hot school meals programme in Westmeath

The Hot School Meals Programme has been extended to a further 12 schools across Westmeath, three of which are from Athlone and its environs.

Coosan National School, Streamstown National School and Boher National School will benefit from the hot meals programme which started in 2019.

The programme ensures children in participating schools receive hot, nutritious meals on a daily basis.

Making the announcement, Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, also confirmed that a review of the nutritional standards for the scheme will be completed by a dietician who will be supervised by the Department of Health and in coordination with the Interdepartmental Group on School Meals.

In addition, the Minister announced the removal of food that is high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the programme from September 2025.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, stated that the programme has had a hugely positive impact on children and families right across the country.

“A hot meal during the school day supports a child’s physical and mental health, improves concentration and learning, and gives parents peace of mind. I’m delighted to see even more Westmeath schools joining the scheme," Minister Burke said.

Local Fianna Fáil Minister, Robert Troy, has praised the success of the programme which was initially introduced to 30 Deis schools on a pilot basis.

“The expansion announced by the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, will see tens of thousands of additional children, and families benefit from this scheme and I am pleased to see a further 12 Westmeath schools included in this announcement," Minister Troy said.

The Westmeath schools which will be included for the 2025/26 term are Coosan NS, Streamstown Mixed NS, Boher NS, Milltownpass NS, Ballinagore Mixed NS, Baile Na Gcailleach NS, Holy Family Primary School, Magh Mora NS, Naomh Iosef NS, SN Na Naomh Uile, Loch An Ghair NS and Scoil Phadraig.

Minister Troy continued, “The Hot School Meals Programme is having a really positive impact on students right across the country and I am delighted that it is being expanded.

More children having hot meals will help with school attendance, help with educational outcomes for students, and above all ensure that children can learn, play and make friends without concerns about hunger.

The removal of optional meals with higher levels of fat, sugar and salt from menus will ensure that not only will students have access to hot meals, but they will also be more nutritious as well”.

The Westmeath schools which will be included for the 2025/26 term are as follows: