Written answer
School Meals Programme
Parents or students with concerns about food quality, choice or nutrition should contact the school principal or Board of Management, which must address issues with the supplier. A nutrition review found generally good provision but recommended standardised menus, compliance audits, age-appropriate portions and dietary adaptations; the Minister said implementation would begin immediately.
18. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the mechanisms in place when parents or students have problems with the quality, options or nutritional value of the food provided under the Hot School Meals Programme. [66651/26]
Comment on this
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme, including managing the procurement process. All schools are responsible for choosing their school meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderers responsibilities and obligations, including adherence to the nutritional standards.
The School Meals Programme is open to all registered Food Business Operators.
If parents have any concerns regarding the meals being provided, they must bring it to the attention of the School Principal or the Board of Management. The school as the contracting authority will raise the matters with the supplier to address the issues raised.
Nutritional standards are a priority for me, and I requested a review of the scheme’s nutrition standards to be undertaken. My department seconded a CORU registered Dietitian under the clinical supervision of the Department of Health to conduct this review.
I am pleased to advise that the Nutrition Review Report was published earlier this week. The report showed there is a wide variety of meals offered under the scheme, with good availability of nutritious and well-balanced options. 82% of meals analysed did not contain foods considered high in fat, salt or sugar. However, the analysis of data on meal options showed that high, fat, salt, sugar foods are chosen over healthier options when available on the menu.
The review also recommended the introduction of a standardised, fully compliant menu framework by prioritising a 3?week menu cycle and developing robust nutrition compliance audits. Improve flexibility and age appropriateness by providing different meal sizes for different age groups and allowing schools to choose either a hot or cold lunch on any given day. In order to continue to ensure inclusivity for all students, menus to be adapted for special schools, special classes, and children with specific dietary requirements.
Importantly, the findings of the report align closely with those in the independent IPSOS Behaviour and Attitudes evaluation of the Hot School Meals Scheme commissioned by my department and also published this week.
I am pleased to see that the reports indicate a generally high standard of food provision and a high level of overall satisfaction. I am also pleased that they provide an independent and objective view of those areas where we can improve the programme. However, improvements are required and I will immediately begin to act on the recommendations in the review.