First Year School Meals

Our first year school meals are built for growing appetites, helping students settle into secondary school with confidence.
Freshly prepared using quality Irish ingredients.

Serving First Year Pupils with Healthy, Nutritious School Meals

Meals for First Year are portioned and balanced specifically for this age group; reviewed by our registered dietitian to make sure students get the right nutrients, in the right amount, every school day.

What Makes Our First Year School Meals Different

Healthy starts every day

Portioned for the age group

Meals are reviewed by our registered dietitian to suit typical appetite at First Year.

The right balance, every meal

Proteins, vegetables, and whole carbs proportioned to support energy and focus through a longer school day.

Real choice at lunchtime

A wide range of hot and cold dishes served fresh, giving students the freedom to choose what they fancy each day.

Confidence for parents

Peace of mind that your child has access to a properly balanced lunch, matched to what their body needs at this stage.

Freshtoday Donegal roast chicken fillet with potato and veg school meal served fresh daily

Ordering

How Ordering Works

Prepared

Meals are freshly prepared each morning at our production kitchen using quality ingredients and careful preparation.

Delivered

Hot food is delivered to school ahead of lunchtime, kept warm and ready to serve, fresh and prepared for pupils.

Served fresh

 Dishes are served hot at lunchtime, with students choosing what they’d like from the range on offer.

Common Questions about First Year Meals

Do students pre-select their meals?

No. First Year students choose what they’d like directly at lunchtime, from a full range of hot and cold dishes served fresh each day.

Can you cater for allergies or special dietary requirements?

Absolutely. Every dish is clearly labelled with full allergen information, and halal and gluten-free options are available daily. If your child has specific needs, our team is happy to help.

How are portions managed if students are choosing their own food?

The overall range on offer is guided by our registered dietitian to support balanced, age-appropriate intake, while still giving students the freedom to choose what they eat.

Industry Leading School Meal Providers

From innovative menus to sustainable sourcing, Freshtoday continues to lead the way in shaping the future of school meals in Ireland.

Freshtoday School Meals As I Am
Freshtoday Donegal chargrilled chicken school meal served in an eco-friendly box

Supporting Inclusion in Schools

Food plays a vital role in helping children feel comfortable and confident at school.

By offering gluten-free meals alongside our full menu range, Freshtoday supports schools in creating a safe and inclusive environment where children with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities feel fully catered for.

Want to Know More?

If you’d like more information about gluten-free meals in your school, or to discuss specific dietary requirements, our team is always happy to help.

Talk to your school or contact Freshtoday for further details.

Why choose Freshtoday?

  • ï…ŠOver 15 years of experience
  • ï…ŠSchool Meals for Primary & Secondary schools
  • ï…ŠFocused customer support
  • ï…ŠAllergen Free Menu Options
  • ï…Š100% Compostable Packaging
  • ï…Š3 Easy to Use Ordering Options
  • ï…ŠDetailed Label Full of Information
  • ï…ŠLocally Sourced Ingredients
  • ï…ŠTrusted Nationwide
  • ï…ŠFood Safety First
  • ï…ŠSustainability Focused
  • ï…ŠHassle-Free Collection
  • ï…ŠGluten Free Options
  • ï…ŠSauces Jam Packed with Hidden Veg
  • ï…ŠTransparent Ingredients & Nutrients
  • ï…ŠHalal Menu Options