Five Mayo youth services join the expanded summer holiday meals programme for 2026
Minister Alan Dillon welcomed the initiative providing meals to young people through participating UBU services during summer months
Five youth services across Mayo will take part in the expanded Summer Holiday Meals Pilot Programme for 2026, providing practical support to young people and families throughout the school summer break.
Welcoming the expansion, Minister Alan Dillon said he was “delighted” to see additional Mayo organisations participating in the initiative, which will begin on June 2 and provide hot or substantial meals to young people attending participating UBU youth services.
The programme is aimed at supporting young people during the summer months, when access to school-based meal supports may be reduced, while also helping ease pressure on families.
The Mayo youth services that have confirmed their participation in the programme include Foróige An Cosán, which works with young people through community-based supports and activities. The BEY Project Ballyhaunis will also take part, alongside Castlebar Foróige, which provides youth programmes and supports in the county town. Young people engaging with Involve Youth Service Ballina will also benefit from the initiative, while Youth Work Ireland North Mayo has been confirmed as the fifth participating service in Mayo.
From early June, participating services will provide meals across the summer period as part of the pilot programme’s expansion, helping ensure young people have access to nutritious food while engaging in local youth services and activities.
Minister Dillon described the scheme as “a real, practical support for families and young people across Mayo this summer,” highlighting its role in strengthening community supports and improving wellbeing among young people.