Free lunches for preschool children in Sligo and Leitrim

A new initiative will see preschool children across Sligo and Leitrim receive free daily lunches, in a move aimed at tackling child food poverty and giving children the best start in life.

Fianna Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Eamon Scanlon, has welcomed confirmation from Education Minister Norma Foley that the €4.2 million Bia Blasta programme will provide nutritious lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas nationwide. The scheme forms part of Equal Start, targeting support to where it is needed most.

“Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle,” Deputy Scanlon said. “Through this initiative, thirteen childcare services in Sligo and five in Leitrim will now be supported to provide nutritious lunches to preschool children every day. It will help children’s personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and encourage them to learn about and enjoy healthy food. It will also ease some financial pressure on families at a time of grocery inflation.”

Participating services in Sligo include Bright Minds, Claire Barden School Age Childcare, Cranmore Abbeyquarter, Footprints, Lilliput, New Ballytivnan Afterschool Service, Northside Community Playgroup, Sandcastles Quigabar, Sligo Family Support Ltd, Sligo Springboard CLG, Sligo Traveller Support Group (Collooney), Sligo Traveller Support Group (Carraroe), Springboard Resource House Project, and Tubbercurry FRC.

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In Leitrim, the scheme will benefit Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability Ltd, Kinlough Childcare Ltd, Mohill Afterschool, Shannonside Community Childcare Centre, and Spencer Harbour Community Afterschool.

A total of €3.2 million will fund the programme in 2025, with an additional €1 million available this year for participating services to purchase essential equipment—such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers, hobs, or ovens—to support the rollout.

“From Claire Barden Childcare in Ballymote and Sligo Springboard to Tubbercurry RFC and Mohill Afterschool, preschoolers will now benefit from full bellies thanks to this great initiative,” Deputy Scanlon said. “Fianna Fáil is committed to tackling child food poverty and ensuring every child has the best start in life. This initiative will benefit thousands of children who need it most.”

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