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Food

13 – 17

years

old

What does this mean?

How is this right protected in Ireland?

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

Did you know?

What does this mean?

Children need nutritious food, clean water, a safe environment and the best possible healthcare.

Article 24 and 27 of the UNCRC says so.

The right to food is about having a healthy, nutritious diet and making sure that food is available, accessible and affordable for everyone.

How is this right protected in Ireland?

While there are no laws in Ireland protecting the right to food, most parents in Ireland will receive a payment of child benefit which is supposed to help parents meet their child’s basic needs.

As part of the school curriculum, students are taught about healthy eating and good food sources. Some primary schools take part in the Food Dudes Programme.

Since 2025, the Hot School Meals programme provides hot meals to all primary schools across the country, and some secondary schools.

Charities across Ireland sometimes help families who are struggling with the cost of food, for example Barnardos and St. Vincent De Paul. This is especially helpful during the summer, when Hot School Meals stop.

Does every child in Ireland get this right?

Despite the government’s efforts to provide funding and programmes supporting healthy eating, food poverty still exists in Ireland.

Children who grow up experiencing food poverty often experience long lasting negative effects, affecting their overall health and development.

Did you know?

According to Barnardos in 2024, more than one quarter of parents over the last 12 months at some point felt they did not have enough food to feed their children.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.