Hot meals ‘has made a huge difference’

THE government announced the rollout of hot school meals to 900 additional Primary Schools at St Thomas’ JNS, Esker, Lucan on Monday.

Making the announcement were An Taoiseach Simon Harris, TD and Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection who visited the school.

A number of local schools have been included in the expansion of the Hot School Meals programme including Adamstown Castle Educate Together NS, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Gaelscoil Inse Chor, Glen Na Smol NS, Griffeen Valley Educate Together NS, Lucan BNS, Lucan Community NS, Rathcoole Educate Together NS, Riverview Educate Together NS, Scoil Naomh Íde and St Thomas’ JNS.

“We had a very busy day, it was like government buildings. The Minister and the Taoiseach arrived at 12 o’clock. The Taoiseach was greeted by myself and Gordon Hill, Chairperson of the Board of Management and they signed the visitors book which we were thrilled about,” said Teresa Moynihan, Principal.

The dignitaries met the children in the Junior, Senior, First and Second Classes and there was also a guard of honour.

“The Taoiseach and the Minister spoke with the children who told them about their Irish flags and the hot school meals. They went to Mr Meehan’s Senior Infants classroom who were having their hot lunches for An Taoiseach and Minister Humphreys,” said Ms Moynihan.

Flowers were presented to An Taoiseach, Minister Humphreys, and Minister of State, Jack Chambers, Senator Regina Doherty and Barry Andrews, MEP who were also in attendance.

The Hot school meals programme has made a marked impact on the school community of St Thomas’.

“It has made a huge difference, daily provision encourages regular school attendance, it encourages children to explore and try different foods, it allows children to eat things that they may not normally or previously have tried,” said Ms Moynihan.

The provision of hot food has also shown to have benefits for the individual child within the classroom.

“It enhances physical health and psychological well-being, it has shown to improve academic performance and behaviour and there are also lifelong health benefits,” said Ms Moynihan.

The programme is working very well at St Thomas’.

“All the pupils take part in the programme and the meals are delivered to the school,” said Ms Moynihan.

A great day was had by all at St Thomas’ on Monday.

“It was a fantastic day, the parents were thrilled as were the staff and all the members of the school community,” said Ms Moynihan.