'Criminal waste' in uneaten hot school meals in Laois

A Laois councillor who is also a teacher, has slammed the "criminal waste" he sees in uneaten food under the Governments Hot School Meals programme.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan from the Portlaoise Municipal District is working as a supply teacher, between several Laois schools.

"I've nothing agains the Hot School Meals Programme but I'm 100% against waste, and something that doesn't work. There is definitely a better way.

"I see criminal waste. A lot of children don't enjoy a hot meal, or they are picky, or it's too early to eat a hot meal. The programme needs to be targeted more to children. There needs to be more engagement with schools. There should be an opt out system. 

"We need an alternative around healthier lunches. They cost €3.20 each. You could have ten in a class who entirely refuse the food, or pick at it and give it back. That's €600 a month, by nine months is €5,400. For one classroom.

"There are schools in this town on a three year contract for €1 million. That's half a million in one school wasted. My issue is wastage and taxpayers' money," Cllr Mulligan said.

He tabled a motion to the January meeting of Laois County Council, asking it to ask the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary to introduce a healthy lunch meal programme as an optional alternative to the hot school meals programme.

"With the primary aim of improving nutritional outcomes for children, reducing food waste and increasing variety and choice".

Cllr Aisling Moran seconded his motion.

"You have to give choice. I think there should be a kitchen in each area. There is in Japan, Darina Allen is always on about it. They have 98 to 99% participation and the meals are planned and served by students who tidy up after. It is cheaper, they learn healthy food habits, use seasonal ingredients and it supports local economies and lowers emissions. 

"There is such wastage at the moment. Why would you provide 200 meals if only 100 eat them? An opt out is a good idea. You're teaching them to waste. To say 'I don't want that' and throw it out," Cllr Moran said.

Cllr Ollie Clooney a vegetable farmer said "I heard the waste is three quarters".

"It's all pre-prepared. If you haven't prepped stuff really hot, it doesn't taste well. This stuff could have been in a bag for three months. Going forward youngsters won't eat any vegetables. They stopped me one day at the market, they didn't even know what a turnip was. When we were in school we would go into a field on the way home and take a bite out of a turnip," he recalled.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly described it as "savage waste" while Cllr Paschal McEvoy said his own grandchildren are reporting to him that half the time they don't like their reheated school dinners.

Read next: 'Cheap' traffic light solution shot down for 'nightmare' Portlaoise road

"It is needed, there are children dependent on it, but it's to get the balance right. Pull it away from children who don't need it," he said.

"Kids can't learn if they are hungry," said Cllr Paddy Buggy.

"Some companies got money for the year and then the quality went downhill," he claimed.

A letter will be sent to Minister Dara Calleary.