Hot School Meals Programme ‘must be fixed’ to support Kildare schools

The current Hot School Meals Programme must be fixed in order to effectively support schools in County Kildare and beyond.

That's the sentiment which was expressed by Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, yesterday (January 14 last), following a meeting she had with the Oireachtas Education Committee with school management bodies.

Deputy Ní Raghallaigh, who has a background in teaching, claimed that the programme "is placing unsustainable pressure" on schools and "risks deepening inequality" unless urgent changes are made.

The Kildare town-based representative also said that she thanked the management bodies for their detailed submissions, adding that they provided "a clear and honest picture of how the scheme is operating on the ground".

Elaborating on her views, the Deputy said: "There is no question that the Hot School Meals Programme has real benefits for children — from improved attendance and engagement to the social value of eating together — but what we heard [yesterday] is that schools are being asked to carry an enormous administrative, financial and infrastructural burden without adequate support."

READ NEXT: Potentially-linked burglaries in Kildare prompt garda investigation

Deputy Ní Raghallaigh also claimed that the scale of the administrative workload was "particularly concerning", noting evidence that procurement alone can take up to four to five working days.

"School leaders are already stretched to breaking point," she added. "Annual projections, monthly returns, compliance checks, procurement and financial reporting all take time and resources that simply are not being recognised or funded."

She further said: "There is a clear precedent for administrative support under the School Books Scheme – there is no justification for denying similar support here."

HIDDEN COSTS

The Deputy also raised serious concerns she had regarding hidden costs associated with the programme: "Only the food itself is funded; schools are left to cover energy costs, appliances, infrastructure, cleaning, storage and waste.

"In some cases, schools are fundraising or relying on parental contributions just to keep the scheme going.

"That is completely unacceptable and undermines the purpose of a programme designed to reduce inequality."

She also warned that unequal access to the scheme "remains a major failure", particularly for post-primary schools, rural schools and special schools.

The Deputy said: "Food poverty does not end when a child finishes sixth class, yet post-primary schools receive significantly less funding per meal.

"Rural schools are locked out entirely in many cases due to 'commercial unviability', and special schools face higher costs because of smaller numbers and highly individualised dietary needs.

"Inclusion must be a core principle of this scheme, not an afterthought."

READ NEXT: Criminal damage caused to vehicle in Kildare

'IT LEAVES TOO MANY CHILDREN BEHIND'

She also criticised the reliance on DEIS status as "a proxy" for need.

"Economic vulnerability exists in every community; using DEIS status alone is crude and unfair, and it leaves too many children behind," she said. "We need to have an honest discussion about universal access.”

Furthermore, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh said that concerns raised around food quality, portion sizes, waste and declining standards over time "underline the need" for both student involvement and thorough evaluation.

She asserted: "We need proper data, particularly at post-primary level, and we need to listen to students themselves. Involving young people in menu planning improves uptake and reduces waste.

"That should be central to the upcoming review."

The Deputy also said that while her party fully backs a school meals programme, she emphasised that it does not support one which she alleges "adds costs and stress" onto schools.

Elaborating on her view, she said: "This scheme is worthwhile, but it is not working as intended.

"The forthcoming review must address funding gaps, regional inequities, post-primary access and the real costs schools are carrying."

She concluded: "Schools should be supported to deliver meals, not punished for doing so."

The Department of Social Protection has been contacted by the Leinster Leader for comment in relation to Deputy Ní Raghallaigh's statement. 

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh. File photograph

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Man arrested over fatal house fire near Kildare border which killed boy and his grandaunt

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.