A Co Tyrone primary school gave out almost 5,000 hot meals to its pupils in January, and has said it will continue to do so until mid February.
Primate Dixon Primary School in Coalisland said last month it was launching the initiative to release the financial burden on some families during the winter months.
During the month the school delivered 4,901 hot meals to pupils at lunchtime, with the school continuing to dish out the meals in February.
One parent at the school said it was a ‘brilliant idea’ by the school, who have done great work for the local community.
Tracy Timlin, whose two children attend the school, said all the parents have been appreciative of the gesture.
“It’s encouraged a lot of the children to eat a better variety of food, and helps all the children have access to the same food,” Tracy told MyTyrone.
“With the price of fuel increasingly rising for people, it’s a very realistic thing that people in our communities are having to choose heat over eat.
“It’s the sad truth that that is the case and maybe some families now don’t have to worry about paying for that meal at lunchtime or that extra packed lunch.
“It just makes it that wee bit easier, especially towards the end of the month whenever parents are just trying to squeeze by.
“It’s such a brilliant idea and it’s just such a fantastic school, it never ceases to amaze me how much work Sean and all the staff put in to make sure the children have everything they need to thrive.”
School principal Sean Dillon said it continues to be a difficult time for parents, and challenged the Department of Education to consider adopting a similar scheme.
“The children have loved it and the parents have been very supportive,” Sean said.
“We are doing our best now to see if we can extend it until the mid term break on 16 February.
“This is a thing that with political will the Department of Education can make happen, if even in just for winter months.”
