Following my announcement of the hot meals pilot scheme on the 22nd of November, my Department are collaborating with Pobal to recruit nine services as pilot sites. Given that a large number of settings already provide this service, the aim of this pilot is to provide an in-depth, qualitative test of the logistics and impact of hot meal provision across other types of setting.
Additionally, this pilot will be testing the delivery of different meal options. These include:
- A breakfast or snack
- A breakfast or snack, plus a packed lunch to take home
- A hot meal or snack
The provision of healthy food in Early Years settings will have a positive impact on children’s health, well-being and development, as well as their social participation.
The roll-out will commence in Q1 of 2022, and results of the pilot scheme will inform decisions regarding a wider roll out. Additionally, the pilot will inform my Department’s ongoing work to develop a DEIS-type model for early learning and childcare, which aims to provide services with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage.