With calls for the school meals programme to be permanently extended to the summer holidays, two Galway projects are to benefit from the expansion project
Brú Bhríde in Tuam and Foróige Gort are included in the projects taking part this summer under Galway and Roscommon ETB.
The programme provides hot or substantial meals through participating youth services, is being expanded this year with increased national funding of €600,000.
Brú Bhríde was included in last year’s pilot, with Foróige Gort being added this year
The scheme will start on June 2nd and provide meals for people between 10 and 18 taking part in UBU youth services during the summer.
Junior Minister Seán Canney says the programme will provide important support for young people and families during the summer period.
The scheme was designed to support children who may not have access to hot or filling meals when schools close for the summer.
However, there are calls today by Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray for the initiative to be made permanent to prevent what's being described as a 'cliff edge' for families.
