Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has said a number of changes are being considered for the free hot school meals programme, including the possible introduction of cold lunches.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Calleary said the scheme had been “very successful”, but that the focus would now shift towards improving the nutritional value of the food being provided.
The Cabinet discussed proposals to overhaul the programme after two Government-commissioned reviews highlighted a number of shortcomings.
Around 100,000 hot school meals a day — roughly one in five — are going uneaten. When student absences are taken into account, the proportion is 11.1%.
Around half a million meals are delivered to primary schools across the country each day. The scheme was extended nationwide in September 2025, benefiting around 3,200 schools and more than 550,000 children.
Mr Calleary said portion sizes would be changed to reflect different age groups, while adaptations would be made for special schools to improve inclusivity.
A three-week standardised menu cycle is also being proposed, while the introduction of a cold meal option — something suggested by parents — will be examined.
The Minister said discussions would now take place with schools and food providers, with a view to introducing the changes during the 2027/28 school year.
He said the scheme had expanded successfully since its introduction, but that attention would now turn to the quality of the food being provided.
The programme is also intended as a cost-of-living measure, with the Government estimating it can save a family of four around €1,100 a year.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has acknowledged the level of food waste, saying there is “room for improvement” in the quality of the meals and that more needs to be done to reduce waste.
The €300 million scheme has faced criticism over the nutritional quality of some meals, including concerns about highly processed foods and portion sizes.
A Government-appointed nutritionist found that high-fat, high-salt and high-sugar foods were being chosen over healthier options when available.
The review also found that the same portion sizes were being served to all students, meaning older children could receive comparatively low calorie amounts.
A separate survey gathered the views of pupils, parents, teachers and school principals, with 84% of parents saying children should have the option of a cold lunch.
The review recommends different-sized meals for different age groups, adaptations for special schools and dietary requirements, and the option of either a hot or cold lunch.
The principal of Our Lady Immaculate Senior National School in Darndale, Shane Loftus, said his school had seen a significant drop in the number of children eating the meals.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said some children were choosing to go hungry rather than eat the meals provided, and suggested that pupils should have the option of a roll or sandwich.
Meanwhile, Food Policy Ireland CEO Ruth Hegarty said an estimated 6.3 million kilogrammes of food is wasted through the programme over a school year.
She said the nutritional focus also needs to include increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in meals, which she said Irish children “desperately need”.
