Holiday Hunger: Thousands Of Children Across Kildare Face Food Insecurity During Summer Break

Wednesday, 3 July 2024 14:24

By Martin Osborne

The children normally benefit from the hot meals programme in schools.

Children and young people across the county are suffering 'holiday hunger'.

The Children's Rights Alliance said many of the 250 thousand kids nationally, who normally benefit from the hot school meals programme, won't eat properly over the summer break.

It says a healthy diet is 'out of reach' for families on low income and social welfare.

Last year, 28 Kildare primary schools benefitted from the programme, while children in 19 extra schools across the county benefitted from a further extension to the programme this year.

The scheme was introduced in 2019 as a small pilot of 30 schools.

More from Local News

Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.
Tension In Fianna Fáil Over Alleged Rebel List, With Kildare TD Sean Ó Fearghaíl Labelled Part Of Old Guard

At a private parliamentary party meeting last night, Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl said he was surprised to be described as part of an “old guard”, noting he is almost the same age as the party leader.
Exclusive: Cllr Bill Clear To Join Independent Ireland After Months Of Discussions

According to a source, Cllr Clear's decision to join the party was “common sense” because his views align with the party's "centre-right" positioning of the political spectrum.
WATCH: Car Linked To Attempted Naas Robbery Spotted In Newcastle - Gardaí Warn Public Not To Approach

Gardaí are urging the public not to approach the occupants and to contact them immediately with any information
Gardai Appeal To Public For Assistance In Attempted Burlgary At Osprey Car Park Naas

Audio

When a staff member approached, a knife was produced.