The School Meals Programme is to be extended to support families throughout the summer holidays.
Funding under the School Meals Programme is normally confined to the academic year, but an exception has been made this summer in recognition of Covid-19.
The programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children.
Applications for the Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance also open today, which last year supported 111,000 families with back to school costs. The grant is paid automatically to eligible families.
The Department of Social Protection is currently processing these payments and these customers will receive written confirmation by today, 21st June informing them of their automatic entitlement.
Families who do not receive notification from the Department of an automated payment today will need to make an application online on www.mywelfare.ie even if they received a payment last year. Online applications can be made anytime from 21st July.
Furthermore, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has confirmed that funding from her Department will be made available to schools participating in the School Based Education Programme, which focusses on pupils with complex special educational needs those at risk of education disadvantage. A breakfast and lunch is provided for the pupils attending.
Overall, over €118 million is being provided today through these three schemes.