The Education Authority has said it will “continue to liaise” with Larne High on contingency arrangements after staff shortages impacted the availability of hot meals in the school canteen.

The issue was highlighted on The Nolan Show on BBC Radio Ulster on Monday, March 23.

A parent featured on the show said he had been notified the previous week that due to EA staffing shortages in the canteen, only sandwiches and salads would be available to children with a Free School Meal entitlement.

Hot meals were made available by an external catering company on Thursday, March 19 at a cost of £2, and at a cost of £3.50 including a drink on Friday, March 20, the caller added.

The Education Authority has said it will “continue to liaise” with Larne High after staff shortages impacted the availability of hot meals in the school canteen. Photo: Google

placeholder image — The Education Authority has said it will “continue to liaise” with Larne High after staff shortages impacted the availability of hot meals in the school canteen. Photo: Google

A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) clarified that the allowance for post-primary pupils entitled to a Free School Meal is £3.34. “The Education Authority Catering Service is currently experiencing significant staffing shortages at Larne High School - including sick leave,” the spokesperson added.

"Our normal contingency measures in these circumstances involve sandwiches, salads and fruit being provided.

"We will continue to liaise with the school on contingency arrangements.

"The school catering service provides 160,000 meals per day, and employs over 4,500 staff across Northern Ireland, with approximately 350 – 400 vacancies.

"The EA Catering Service remains committed to addressing staffing issues at Larne High School and resuming normal service as soon as possible."

Larne High School has been contacted for comment.

Recent price rises

Under savings measures announced by the Education Authority in December 2025, the cost of a school dinner for primary and special school pupils went up by 50p, from £2.60 to £3.10.

Post-primary school pupils meanwhile saw price rises of 19.25 percent on school canteen tariff lists.

The price rise did not affect those entitled to a Free School Meal, while at post-primary level, the Free School Meal allowance was increased to allow for the 19.25 percent uplift.

The new costs, which took effect from January 2026, “should be considered alongside the cost of producing a school meal, which in 2024 – 25 was £4.28”, the EA added.