🥦 Healthy Eating at Ballygiblin National School

At Ballygiblin NS, we believe healthy eating is essential for every child’s wellbeing, learning, and development. Our Healthy Eating Policy sets clear expectations to help children make positive food choices every day.

🎯 Why We Have a Healthy Eating Policy

• Supports Learning – Nutritious food helps children focus and stay energised.

• Promotes Healthy Habits – Early choices build lifelong health.

• Protects Children with Allergies – Banning nuts keeps pupils safe.

✅ What to Bring for Lunch

A healthy lunch should include some or all of these:

Bread & Cereals

• Wholemeal sandwiches, wraps, rolls, pitta bread

• Crackers or breadsticks
  
  

Protein

• Lean cooked meats (e.g., chicken, turkey)

• Eggs

• Fish

• Hummus
  
  

Fruit & Vegetables

• Fresh fruit

• Dried fruit (in moderation)

• Vegetable sticks
  
  

Dairy

• Low-fat yoghurt

• Cheese portions
  
  

Drinks

• Water (encouraged throughout the day)

• Unsweetened fruit juice or milk (with food at break times)
  
  

❌ What Not to Bring

The following items are not allowed in school:

• Chocolate spreads (e.g., Nutella)

• Chocolate bars (except one small treat on Fridays)

• Cakes, biscuits, pastries

• Sweets, lollipops

• Fizzy drinks

• Crisps, popcorn

• Chewing gum

• Sweetened fruit juices (except with food)

• High-sugar cereal bars

• Fruit winders

• Fast foods (e.g., sausage rolls, nuggets)

• Any nut products
  
  

🎉 Friday Treats

On Fridays, children may bring one small treat, such as:

• A fun-size chocolate bar (e.g., Freddo)

• A mini muffin

• A small pack of jellies

• Two plain biscuits

• Yoghurt-covered rice cakes
  
  

🍲 Hot School Meals Programme

Since May 2025, every pupil at Ballygiblin NS receives a free hot meal each day as part of the Department of Social Protection’s Hot School Meals Programme.

Meals are prepared and delivered fresh by Fitzgerald’s Butchers, Ballyporeen, and meet national nutrition standards. From September 2025, new guidelines will ensure meals have even less salt, sugar, and saturated fat, and include more fresh ingredients.

📋 Menu and Ordering

Parents can view and select meal options through Fitzgerald’s online portal:

🔗 View and order meals here

Menus are updated regularly to offer a variety of balanced choices.

⚠️ Allergies and Special Diets

If your child has any allergies or dietary requirements, please contact Fitzgerald’s directly to discuss arrangements:

📧 admin@ffb.ie

💬 Questions?

If you have any questions about:

• The Healthy Eating Policy

• Suitable snacks and lunches

• The Hot Meals Programme
  
  

please contact:

📧 David Hyland, Principal
principal@ballygiblinns.ie

📞 02524933

Tip: Remember to pack lunches and snacks in reusable containers whenever possible to support our Green School commitment.