Who applies
Your school — not you
The School Meals Scheme funds schools to feed children, and all primary schools are eligible for hot meals. The catch is not eligibility. It is that schools need to apply each year for funding, and parents have no way to apply at all — so whether your child gets a hot dinner depends on whether the school filled in a form.
Quick facts
- Who applies
- Your school — not you
- Eligible
- All primary schools
- Post-primary
- Not eligible for hot meals, other food options only
- Cost to you
- Nothing
Who can get it — the full rules
All primary schools are eligible for hot meals. Post-primary schools cannot apply for hot meals, but they can get other food options under the same scheme.
Schools supplying school meals need to apply each year for funding. That single sentence is the whole story: the scheme is not means tested and there is nothing for a parent to fill in, so the only question that matters is whether your school applied.
What the food has to be
Schools and local authorities must make sure the food they supply meets nutrition standards developed with Safefood and the HSE. The scheme can cover breakfast, lunch or after-school meals, dinner, snacks and drinks.
Tell the school about any allergies — suppliers provide schools with menus suitable for children with allergies, but only if the school knows.
Meals in the summer
Eligible schools can give meals to children attending a Summer Programme, under the Holiday Hunger project. It started as a pilot, and Budget 2027 announced that it will be made permanent. Ask your school whether it is taking part.
How to get school meals for your child
There is no form for you to fill in
You do not need to apply for the School Meals Scheme yourself.
Ask if your child's school is in the scheme
If the school is part of the scheme, your child can get meals there.
Know the school must apply every year
Schools have to apply again for School Meals funding every year.
Tell the school about allergies
Let the school know about any allergies your child has.
Ask about meals in the summer
Check with the school if it gives meals as part of the Summer Programme.
You can opt out at any time
Tell the school if you do not want your child to get meals under the scheme.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- School Meals Section, Department of Social Protection
- 071 9138625
- School Meals Section
- School.meals@welfare.ie
From the official pages (gov.ie), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Do I have to apply for hot school meals?
Which schools can get hot meals?
Is it means tested?
What about the school holidays?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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