Tipperary councillor says every child deserves to have free school meals for a fair start

Providing universal school meals is crucial to giving every child a fair start, according to Cllr Fiona Bonfield.

She said Government must put forward a comprehensive package of Back-to-School measures this September for families in Tipperary struggling with the cost of living.

“Earlier this year, the CSO reported that food price inflation is running at 13% compared with January 2022, so the need to provide free school meals for children in Tipperary is really evident. It is a belated move by Government but a welcome one,” she said.

The Newport councillor said that strong international evidence pointed to the success of school meals programmes in improving children’s capacity to learn.

“They are also essential for the most vulnerable children who come to school without having eaten breakfast and with no school lunch,” she said.

The Labour councillor said that hunger did not take a break when schools close. However, it was known that families around the country and in Tipperary continue to struggle with the increased cost of living.

“Parents in Tipperary pay too much for young children to go to school, she said, pointing out that Labour had made numerous proposals to Government to substantially reduce the cost of education for parents.

“We all know it is expensive to raise a family in Ireland. Greater investment and attention is necessary to ensure that no child is left behind,” she said.