The Green Party has today proposed an idea for primary and secondary students in Ireland to be offered one hot meal a day.
The scheme is estimated to cost €350 million a year to run, and is currently being pushed by members of the party.
Speaking this morning, Seamus Sheridan – who is the party’s spokesperson on food – said that not only would it benefit the country’s youth, but our economy would also reap the rewards.
“I think the cost, if you look at the Department of Education, might be there. But it could be of massive benefit to the Irish agricultural system, create massive employment. Because that money we’re using…more often than not, is bought on imported processed foods,” he said.
This latest proposal comes after reports that more and more children are coming to school hungry.
A survey carried out this time last year also reported that just over 39% of Irish teachers admitted to bringing food into school for a child who was regularly hungry.
What are your thoughts on this proposal?
