Around €4.2 million (£3.6m) in funding will be provided to ensure that 25,000 children get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage in the country.
The policy aims to tackle child food poverty and reduce the risk of children going hungry or missing meals. It will also ensure they learn about and enjoy nutritious foods, with the help of a dedicated dietitian to advise and support participating services.
Foley commented: “There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing.
“Bia Blasta is another very positive initiative under the Equal Start model, which is delivering crucial supports to children attending early learning and care and school age childcare in disadvantaged areas. My special thanks to all of the dedicated early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners working to deliver this model.”
The Bia Blasta programme will be the first time that dedicated funding is provided for children who attend the 3-hour free pre-school programme and who typically bring lunch boxes from home.