Ireland rolls out School Meals Local Project

Officials are to visit schools across the Irish Republic to encourage the uptake of government subsidies promoting healthy eating.

The drive follows the success of pilot visits in County Donegal to raise awareness of the School Meals Local Project (SMLP).

SMLP has provided nutritious meals to more than 40,000 pupils since its launch in 2000.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan said: "There is strong scientific evidence to support the link between a student's performance and dietary intake and lifestyle."

Coughlan officially launched the Healthy Food Option canteen service at Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola (PCC) community school in Falcarragh on 20 January.

Part of SMLP, the new canteen service is being run by Get Fresh Catering and has attracted a subsidiary of Û143,000 for the academic year.

By Angela Frewin

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