Hundreds of Cork children benefit from school meals scheme

One of the country’s largest grocery retail chains has provided more than 200,000 meals to some 400 children in DEIS schools in Co Cork.

The information is contained in new research carried out by IPSOS B&A for Tesco Ireland.

The Tesco Stronger Starts Food programme began as a pilot in November 2021, reaching 1,000 children in 40 DEIS primary schools located in some of Ireland’s most disadvantaged areas.

Today the programme, which is run by Tesco Ireland, supports almost 5,000 children weekly through 240 DEIS schools nationwide.

In Co Cork, the programme has provided some 400 children in 21 DEIS primary schools with 213,539 meals to date.

Free packs

The programme provides free packs of fresh fruit and vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, apples, and oranges every week during the school term.

The programme is supported by three Tesco suppliers — Country Crest, Dole, and Keelings — who supply some of the fresh fruit and vegetables for the fresh food packs.

Currently, 240 DEIS primary schools across the country facilitate Tesco Stronger Starts Food every week, with an additional 80 schools to be added in 2025.

The Tesco Stronger Starts Food Impact report highlights the health and wellbeing benefits for children and families receiving free fresh food packs.

Study

The study found that almost nine out of 10 parents surveyed were preparing more healthy food at home, with eight out of 10 seeing their children eating more healthily.

Additionally, 78% of parents and guardians noted improvements in their child’s diet and physical health, while 73% observed a positive impact on school attendance, linking improved nutrition to better educational outcomes.

Eight out of 10 parents observed improved energy levels in their kids, and enhancements in mood and overall wellbeing.

Launching the report, Dara Calleary, minister for social protection, said the wellbeing of children was paramount to this Government.

“My department does important work on this through the school meals programme. However, Government can’t do it alone,” he said.

“We need to work together across all sectors if we are to make the change we want to see.”

Natasha Adams, Tesco CEO, said the research highlighted the positive impact that the programme was having on children and families across Ireland.