Day Care Foods Scheme
In Northern Ireland, the Day Care Foods Scheme provides 189ml (1/3 pint) of milk each day, free of charge, to all children under the age of 5 years who attend approved day care facilities for 2 hours or more.
The scheme provides whole or semi-skimmed pasteurised cow’s milk. Babies under 12 months may receive powdered infant formula based on cow’s milk made up to 189ml (1/3 pint) each day, free of charge.
If your child attends any of the above settings, it’s worth checking childcare providers are familiar with the Day Care Foods Scheme and offer free milk to children in their care. The Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety for Northern Ireland is responsible for the legislation governing the scheme. The Business Services Organisation administers the scheme on the Departments behalf. If your childcare providers are not registered with the Day Care Foods Scheme, they can find out more information, including how to claim for free milk.