Listing the Wexford pre-schools where children will receive free daily lunches

The Government announced the new scheme, Bia Blasta, earlier this week which aims to support pre-schools…

A number of pre-schools in Wexford will receive free daily lunches for children as part of a new scheme launched by the Government to help tackle childhood food poverty.

Around €4.2 million in funding will be provided to ensure that 25,000 children get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage in the country.

It will tackle child food poverty, reducing the risk of children going hungry or missing meals. It will also ensure they learn about and enjoy nutritious foods, with the help of a dedicated dietitian to advise and support participating services.

Announcing the new Bia Blasta programme, Minister Norma Foley said:

“There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing. Bia Blasta is another very positive initiative under the Equal Start model, which is delivering crucial supports to children attending early learning and care and school age childcare in disadvantaged areas,” she said.