Fifty-four Donegal pre-school services are to avail of the Bia Blasta lunch scheme which was been unveiled by the Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley.

Bia Blasta (Delicious Food) is a €4.2 million programme that will provide nutritious daily lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas. The scheme is part of Equal Start, delivering real support where it’s needed most.

Welcoming the announcement, Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “Child food poverty is a huge issue and one that we must address. This initiative will ensure that hundreds of pre-school children in Donegal will have access to healthy nutritious meals during their time in pre-school.”

“This initiative launched by Minister Foley will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.

A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1 million is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven, ensuring access to the scheme is made easier for participants.

“Bia Blasta is offering children in disadvantaged areas real support, and I am delighted that 54 pre-school services here in Donegal have been included in the initiative,” Minister McConalogue commented.

The Donegal pre-school services included in Bia Blasta are: ABC Centre, Amanda’s Cots ‘N’ Tots, Aurora’s Hobbits Limited, Bizzy Bee’s, Bocan Community, Bright Beginnings Preschool, Buncrana Community Playgroup, Busy Bee Playschool, Cara House Children’s Centre, Clonmany Community Montessori, Cockhill After School Club, Convoy Playgroup, CPI Community Childcare (19DL0255)CPI Community Childcare (13DL0179), Crossroads & Killygordan Community Playgroup Ltd, Donagh Creche Ltd, Footprints Montessori Pre-School, Iarscoil An Aingil Choimeadaí, Kiddlywinks ChildcareLamha Beaga Montessori, Letterkenny Youth and Family Service Ltd, Little Acorns Montessori Playschool, Little Acorns Nursery & Montessori Playschool, Acorns Afterschool, Little Acorns Playgroup, Little Smarties, Little Stars Preschool, Magic Moments, Manorcunnigham Community Childcare Centre Ltd, Milford Community Playgroup, Naíonra Ailt a Chorráin, Naíonra an Chlochán Liath, Naíonra An Fálcarrach, Naíonra Bhaile na Finne, Naíonra Ghleann Cholmcille, Naíonra Gort a Choirce, Naíonra na Crannóige, Newtowncunningham Morning and Afterschool Club, Raphoe Community Playgroups Ltd, Ray Montessori, Ready Steady Grow, Rosie and Jim’s, Shelly’s Academy Ltd, Sli An Eolais, Smart Steps Carrigans, Smart Steps Raphoe, Smart Steps St. Eunans, Spraoi agus Sport, Spraoi agus Sport Family Centre Ltd, Spraoi Le Cheile/ Ionad Curam Paisti, St. Gabriels Pre-school, Stepping Stones Playgroup, T/A Kiddies Corner Community Playgroup, The Doorway Project 2The Learning Tree, and Tír na nÓg Naíonra.