The Hot School Meals programme is set to be significantly expanded this year.
Glenealy National, St Coens Primary in Wicklow Town and Newtownmountkennedy are among 189 schools nationwide that will benefit from hot meals - an almost 5 fold increase on the number last year.
Research from the Department of Social Protection suggests the scheme has impacted positively on school attendance and the mental well-being of students.
Minister Heather Humphreys says it's particularly important for more disadvantaged families.