Over 300 schools in Ireland will be impacted

According to reports, schools that have signed up for the first time likely won't have access to the programme until October.

The Journal reports that these schools will be given cold lunches as an alternative.

The delay is reportedly due to a change in procurement rules.

The Department of Education said the programme will be rolled out once the schools complete the procurement process. 

These new procurement rules will reportedly be in place by next week so schools can decide which food supplier to use then.

The Hot School Meals will be available to all State schools from September 2025.

The update comes after the programme was criticised by many parents.

Radio presenter Kathryn Thomas said she was “flabbergasted” to find out about “the amount of ultra-processed foods.”

The mum said: “This is so wrong. It is so detrimental to our children’s health. I know talking to friends of mine and parents who have actively been encouraged to stop using lunch boxes, which we’ve done as well.”

“If that meal that’s been provided by these suppliers into the schools is filled with ultra-processed crap, this is so detrimental to our children’s health. It’s so detrimental to the obesity rates in Ireland, childhood obesity, and there’s no regulation.”

Parents can opt out of the School Meals Scheme at any time. You should tell your child’s school if you don't want your child to be part of the scheme.