New hot school meals leading to excess food waste, survey claims

Molly O'Reilly

Nearly 80 per cent of parents who signed up to the Hot School Meals Programme still provide their children with lunches and have not opted out of the scheme, according to a new survey.

This leads to unnecessary food waste. It also highlighted how the same portion sizes are given to junior infants and sixth class, further contributing to food waste.

The survey by Fine Gael, which received 8,000 responses, identified other issues relating to the quality, taste, freshness and cooking methods of the food. Many of those surveyed were also disappointed by the recent nutritional changes.

The Hot Schools Meal Programme is an initiative by the Irish Government aiming to provide meals to school children.

Announcing the survey results, Senator Nelson Murray, from Meath, said: “The impact of this programme cannot be underestimated or dismissed. But the Hot School Meals programme requires significant public investment, and it’s important we see the return on that investment, in every sense."

Fine Gael has recommended changes to the programme, including a hot and cold lunch option and portion size evaluation.