The Irish Government has announced the expansion of the Summer Holiday Meals Pilot Programme for 2026, increasing funding and widening its reach to support young people at risk of food poverty during the school summer break. The initiative, led by the Department of Education and Youth, aims to ensure access to nutritious meals for children and teenagers in community-based youth services across the country.
Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton confirmed that the programme will receive €600,000 in funding in 2026, up from €500,000 in the previous year. The expansion will allow participation to grow from 41 to 77 UBU-funded youth services operating across all 16 Education and Training Boards in Ireland.
The programme will begin on 2 June 2026 and will provide hot or substantial meals to young people aged 10 to 18 attending participating youth services during the summer months. Officials said the expansion is expected to significantly increase coverage and improve access to food support for vulnerable young people.
The initiative was first introduced in 2025 as a pilot programme and supported more than 5,000 young people who were at risk of missing meals during school holidays. Meals were delivered through trusted local youth services in community settings throughout the summer period.
An independent evaluation of the pilot highlighted its positive impact in addressing food insecurity and supporting youth wellbeing. It also recommended continued development of the programme, with consideration for making it a permanent scheme in the future.
The Summer Holiday Meals Programme forms part of Ireland’s broader strategy to tackle child poverty, developed in collaboration between the Department of Education and Youth and the Child Poverty and Wellbeing Office under the Department of the Taoiseach.
Officials emphasized that ensuring access to nutritious food during school holidays plays an important role in supporting young people’s wellbeing, development, and participation in community life. The expanded programme is expected to deliver a significant increase in reach and strengthen support systems for children and families across Ireland.
