Preschool children across Kildare South to benefit from free lunches

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare South, Fiona O’Loughlin has today (August 14) welcomed news from her colleague Minister Norma Foley that pre school children across Kildare South will now benefit from free lunches under the new Bia Blasta scheme.

Bia Blasta is a €4.2 million programme that will provide nutritious daily lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas. The scheme is part of Equal Start, delivering real support where it’s needed most.

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Speaking on the launch of the scheme today, Senator O’Loughlin said: “I am delighted to be informed of the Bia Blasta programme. Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle. Through this initiative, seven childcare services across Kildare will now be supported to provide nutritious lunches to preschool children on a daily basis.”

Senator O’Loughlin added: “This initiative will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food. It will also ease some financial pressure of purchasing lunches for families. This can only be welcome at a time of grocery inflation.

“Preschoolers from Newbridge Family Resource Centre to Shining Stars Academy Glebelands and Sugradh in Kilberry will now all benefit from full bellies thanks to this great initiative to bring lunches to this younger bracket of children.”

The list of services included in Kildare South is: Newbridge Family Resource Centre; Shining Stars Academy; Shing Stars Academy Glebelands; Shining Stars Homework Club; Sugradh Kilberry; Tiny Tots Childcare; and Happy Days Community Childcare.

A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme.

This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven, ensuring access to the scheme is made easier for participants.

In conclusion, Senator O’Loughlin said: “In Fianna Fáil, we’re committed to ensuring every child the best start in life. We are leaving no stone unturned on this issue, and this initiative today will benefit thousands of children who need it most.”