Help Hub | Your Guide to 360 Bia Óg's School Meal Support & FAQs

CLEAR ANSWERS
FOR CONFIDENT
CHOICES

Lunches They’ll Love, Care You’ll Trust.

Helping you make informed choices for every school day.

How do I get started on the Parent Portal?

When your school joins the Hot School Meals Programme, you’ll receive a registration email from 360 Bia Óg with your unique link to the Parent Portal. Follow that link using the same email the school provided. From there, you can view menus, make meal selections, and update dietary preferences anytime.

I didn’t receive my login email, what should I do?

Check your junk or spam folder first. If it’s not there, the school’s record for your email may contain an error. Email parents@360biaog.ie with your full name, email, your child’s name, class, and teacher. We’ll confirm details with the school and resend the email.

What information does 360 Bia Óg need from my child’s school?

The school shares each pupil’s name, class, and parent or guardian email. These details allow 360 Bia Óg to issue Student IDs and registration links. Data stays within Ireland and is covered by the school’s Data Processing Agreement.

What is my child’s Student ID and where do I find it?

Each child has a unique Student ID included in your registration email. If you can’t find it, contact parents@360biaog.ie with your child’s name, class, and school.

Can I add more than one child to the same Parent Portal?

Each child has their own Student ID and registration email. Complete setup separately for each child. A combined family dashboard is planned for the future.

When should I place my child’s first order?

As soon as you receive your Parent Portal link and Student ID. Changes requested before Thursday 12 PM (lunch time) apply from the following Monday.

How far in advance do I need to order lunches?

Orders are usually placed the week before. Changes made before Thursday 12 PM (lunch time) apply from the following Monday. Once you have selected your child’s meals, those choices stay in place each week or until you make a change on the Parent Portal. You can make a change at any time ahead of the cut-off period.

Can I choose specific meals for my child?

Yes. Each term’s menu in the Parent Portal shows full descriptions, allergens, and nutrition info. Choose one meal per day or let the Daily Dish apply automatically.

What happens if I don’t make a meal selection?

Your child will receive the Daily Dish, a balanced gluten-free meal from the same weekly menu.

Can I change or cancel a meal after I’ve ordered?

Changes can be made in the Parent Portal up to the ordering deadline. After that, meals are in preparation and can’t be changed for that week.

How will I know my order went through?

You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting your order. If not, check junk mail or contact parents@360biaog.ie.

What is a “Daily Dish”?

The featured meal served to all students who haven’t chosen from the weekly menu. It rotates by weekday and is always Nutri-Score A and gluten-free.

Are meals cooked fresh each day?

Yes. Meals are cooked fresh every morning in our Dungarvan kitchen, sealed in stainless-steel thermos flasks, and never reheated.

Are the meals reheated at school?

No. Meals are delivered hot in sealed flasks. Schools do not reheat or handle food.

What does “Easy Eating” mean?

Simple, familiar meals designed for children who prefer plain flavours or softer textures.

What is the “Classroom Effect”?

Children are more open to new meals when they see others enjoying them. Colour-coordinated flasks create a shared experience that encourages variety.

How do you keep meals hot until lunchtime?

Meals are sealed in insulated stainless-steel flasks straight after cooking. They retain heat safely for several hours without reheating.

How often does the menu change?

Menus rotate seasonally with a balance of familiar favourites and new dishes. View the current menu in the Parent Portal or Lunchtime Line-up page.

What ingredients do you use?

Fresh Irish meat, vegetables, grains, and pulses. Hidden veg, minimal processed ingredients, and verified Nutri-Score A meals.

Are your meals gluten-free or allergen-controlled?

Yes. All Daily Dishes are gluten-free. Meals list full allergen info and are prepared in separate zones with labelled containers.

Are vegan or vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian meals are available daily; several are vegan. Clearly marked in the Parent Portal and Nutrition page.

How do you source ingredients?

From Irish suppliers with HACCP and BRCGS certifications. Focus on freshness, nutrition, and low-waste packaging.

Are any ingredients organic or local?

About 10 percent are certified organic. Many come from producers in Waterford, Cork, and Tipperary.

What are the reusable flasks made from?

Certified stainless-steel, double-walled and vacuum-sealed, free from plastic linings.

Do flasks go home with children?

No. Flasks stay in the school system and are collected, cleaned, and reused daily.

How are flasks cleaned?

Returned daily to our kitchen, washed and sanitised with commercial-grade systems, then inspected before reuse.

What happens to food waste?

All uneaten food is returned with delivery crates and processed through anaerobic digestion by FSM to create renewable energy.

How does the delivery system reduce packaging?

Reusable flasks and insulated boxes remove the need for single-use plastics.

How do you transport meals?

Delivered in ambient-controlled vehicles. Our first EV is active, with more coming 2026–27.

Do you use plastic or compostable cutlery?

We provide certified compostable cutlery for schools; parents are encouraged to send reusable sets.

How does 360 Bia Óg support a zero-waste model?

Circular delivery: reusable flasks, waste-to-energy, monitored recyclable packaging.

Are you signed up to the Food Waste Charter?

Yes. We’re a registered EPA Food Waste Charter signatory, tracking and reporting food waste annually.

How do you manage food allergies?

Allergen management follows HACCP standards. Each recipe lists all 14 major allergens verified with suppliers.

What happens if my child has a new allergy?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with details. Updates made before Thursday 12 PM apply from Monday.

How do you avoid cross-contamination?

Dedicated workstations, labelled storage, and staff training in allergen awareness.

Are allergen details visible in the Parent Portal?

Yes. Full ingredient and allergen info is listed in the Nutrition and Allergen page linked from the Portal.

How can I contact you about dietary requirements?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with your child’s name, class, school, and Student ID.

What schools currently use 360 Bia Óg?

We provide meals to schools across Waterford, Cork, Kilkenny, and Tipperary. Contact schools@360biaog.ie to check if your school is included.

Who manages the data, the school or 360 Bia Óg?

The school is data controller; 360 Bia Óg is data processor under a signed DPA.

Is my child’s information protected under GDPR?

Yes. Data is stored securely in Ireland and used only for meal administration.

Is 360 Bia Óg HSE-approved and HACCP-certified?

Yes. Our kitchen operates under full HSE approval and HACCP standards with ongoing staff training.

Can other schools apply to join the programme?

Yes. Schools can register interest through the Department of Social Protection or contact schools@360biaog.ie.

What happens if my child is absent?

Meals are prepared from the daily school register. If your child is absent, the meal isn’t served that day.

Who do I contact if there’s an issue with my order?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with your child’s details. Most issues are resolved quickly by our support team.

How can I update my contact details?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with updated info. Changes are confirmed with the school before updating records.

How do I share feedback about the meals?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with comments or suggestions. Feedback shapes future menus.

I didn’t receive my Parent Portal registration email.

Check spam or junk first. If missing, email parents@360biaog.ie with your details so we can resend the link.

My child’s Student ID doesn’t work.

Enter it exactly as shown—no spaces. If still invalid, email parents@360biaog.ie.

I’m getting an “We couldn’t process your reques" error via email.

The email likely doesn’t match the school record. Contact parents@360biaog.ie with your details and we’ll confirm the correct address with the school before updating your record.

The system won’t let me complete my order.

Refresh the page or try another browser. If it persists, send a screenshot to parents@360biaog.ie.

I placed an order but didn’t get confirmation.

Check junk mail. If none, resubmit your order and confirm your email address is correct.

The portal isn’t loading.

Refresh, clear browser cache, or use another device.

The page layout looks wrong on my phone.

Rotate your device or update your browser. Send a screenshot if it continues.

How can I reset my password?

Click “Forgot Password” on the Portal login page to receive a reset email.

My email address has changed.

Email parents@360biaog.ie with your new address and child details.

How do I log in if I have children at different schools?

You’ll receive separate registration emails and Student IDs for each child—access individually.

Who should I contact for technical issues?

Parents should contact parents@360biaog.ie directly. Schools can only update contact records.

I still need help—who can I talk to?

Email parents@360biaog.ie with a short description and screenshot; our team replies within one working day.

What is the “Hot School Meals Programme” in Ireland? The Hot School Meals Programme is an initiative by the Irish government to provide free, nutritious hot meals to primary school children. It aims to support children’s overall health, focus, and development by ensuring they have access to a balanced lunch each school day. At 360 Bia Óg, we’re thrilled to bring this programme to life by delivering fresh, kid-friendly meals directly to schools, making it easy for parents and schools to offer healthy lunchtime options.

How do I sign up or get started with 360 Bia Óg? To get started, simply register through our Parent Portal. You’ll be guided through a few easy steps to create a profile for your child, view the menu, and set preferences. Our system also lets you obtain a unique StudentID, which will be used to manage your child’s menu choices smoothly.

How do I get a StudentID for my child? If it’s your first time using the Parent Portal, you’ll be prompted to request a StudentID. This ID is a unique identifier needed for each child, allowing us to securely manage meal selections and updates. To get one, you’ll be asked to fill in details like your child’s name, school, teacher, and class. Once submitted, you’ll receive the StudentID via email within two business days.

Can I change my child’s lunch option? Yes, you can easily make changes to your child’s menu through the Parent Portal. Using the StudentID, you can access the Menu Selection Change option, allowing you to choose meals based on your child’s evolving tastes or dietary needs.

How will I know the menu and allergen details? The Parent Portal provides a full menu view, complete with allergen information for each dish. This feature allows you to make well-informed choices based on your child’s dietary requirements.

How quickly does a lunch request change take effect? For menu changes outside of allergen or dietary change requests, it can take up to two weeks for updates to take effect. This timeframe allows for supplier coordination and order adjustments. We’re actively working to reduce this processing time to within a week to make updates faster and more convenient for families.

What types of meals does 360 Bia Óg provide? We offer a variety of delicious, balanced meals that change with the seasons, including kid-approved options like macaroni pasta and warm vegetable curries. We also have weekly vegan and vegetarian dishes, along with options designed for children with dietary needs, so every child has a safe and enjoyable meal at lunchtime.

How are meals kept warm until lunchtime? Each morning, our meals are freshly prepared and delivered in certified, reusable thermo flasks designed to keep food warm until lunchtime, ensuring it’s ready to enjoy without reheating. Our team follows strict health and safety protocols, with regular temperature checks throughout preparation and delivery, guaranteeing that every meal arrives fresh, safe, and at the ideal temperature for students. This process maintains both the nutritional integrity and quality of the food, so parents and schools can feel confident in each lunch served.

Can I choose specific meals for my child? Yes, you can select meals on behalf of your child each week through our Parent Portal. This feature allows you to choose from a variety of options tailored to their tastes and preferences, helping make lunchtime an enjoyable experience they look forward to every day.

Can I see the full menu before making a selection? Absolutely! Our Parent Portal allows you to view the full menu in advance, so you can choose the meals that best suit your child’s tastes and dietary needs. You’ll see a list of seasonal favourites, Fuss Pots for selective eaters, and allergy-friendly options, all with detailed allergen information.

Do meals accommodate religious dietary restrictions, like halal? Yes, all of our meat is halal-certified and sourced from Bord Bia-accredited Irish farms. We also offer vegetarian and vegan options, so families can choose what works best for their dietary practices.

What is the process for managing special dietary requirements (allergies, gluten-free, etc.)? Our Parent Portal makes it simple to view allergen information for each menu item. You can also mark your child’s specific allergens during registration, allowing us to ensure their meals are prepared and labelled accordingly. Our allergen protocols and clear labelling system make it easy to select safe, suitable meals and clear for distribution.

Do you offer meal options for children with specific texture or colour preferences? Yes, we understand that some children may have specific preferences for textures or colours in their food. Our menu includes options with familiar, mild flavours to accommodate a range of tastes. If your child has particular needs, please feel free to contact us or speak with your school. We’ll work together to create a meal plan that suits their preferences while providing a balanced, nutritious option they can enjoy.

How can I be sure the meals are safe and hygienic? Food safety is a top priority. Our kitchen is HACCP-certified, with strict protocols for hygiene, allergen handling, and quality control. Each meal undergoes multiple checks to ensure it meets the highest standards of safety, so you can feel confident that your child’s food is prepared with care.

Will my child receive a balanced, nutritious meal each day? Absolutely. Every meal we provide is crafted to meet Ireland’s Nutrition Standards for School Meals, ensuring a balanced combination of vegetables, proteins, and whole grains to support children’s growth and energy needs. We know that visible vegetables aren’t always a favourite, so we often blend them into sauces and stews—making each bite both nutritious and enjoyable. Our goal is to offer meals that kids genuinely look forward to, all while meeting high standards for health and quality.

How do I contact 360 Bia Óg if I have a question or issue? We’re here to support you! If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach us via email or phone. Our team is committed to addressing your needs and making sure you feel fully supported in your child’s lunch experience.

What should I do if my child didn’t enjoy a meal or left it unfinished? We appreciate feedback! If your child didn’t enjoy a meal, please let us know. The Parent Portal also allows you to adjust meal preferences for future selections, helping us ensure your child has a lunch they look forward to. We’re here to help you find meals that suit your child’s tastes while maintaining nutritional quality.

FOR SCHOOLS

How do I get started with 360 Bia Óg for my school? If your school would like to partner with 360 Bia Óg, simply reach out to our team to begin the application process. We’ll provide all necessary details and work with you to make setup easy and efficient.

What support does 360 Bia Óg offer for schools implementing this programme? Our team provides full support during setup and beyond, including guidance on meal distribution, allergen management, and troubleshooting. We’re committed to helping your school offer a seamless lunch service that’s convenient for staff and enjoyable for students.

Are there requirements for the school in terms of storage or meal handling? We’ve designed our service to be self-sufficient, so no additional storage or handling equipment is needed from the school. Meals are delivered ready-to-serve in reusable thermo flasks, and we manage the collection and sanitisation process each day.

Who should schools contact if they have delivery or service issues? Your school will have a dedicated contact at 360 Bia Óg who can be reached by phone or email for any service-related questions. We’re here to support your team and ensure smooth daily operations.

How soon can we start once we apply? Our team will work with you to set up service as quickly as possible, typically within a couple of weeks. We handle all necessary logistics to make the transition smooth and efficient.

How does the daily meal delivery process work? Each morning, meals are freshly prepared and delivered to your school within a designated timeframe, ensuring they arrive just in time for lunch. The meals are kept warm in insulated thermo flasks and are distributed directly to classrooms or a designated delivery area, making them ready for quick and easy serving when lunchtime begins.

Do we need any special equipment for meal storage or distribution? No additional equipment is needed. Our meals are delivered in reusable, colour-coded thermo flasks, which are easy for staff to distribute. Flasks are then collected, sanitised, and prepared for the next day.

How does meal distribution work within classrooms? Each meal container is colour-coded based on dietary needs and menu item, making it easy for staff to identify and distribute meals according to children’s preferences and requirements. This system is designed to streamline distribution and minimise classroom disruption.

Are there backup options if a student forgets their lunch selection? Yes, we typically have a standard option available for students who missed their selection, ensuring that every child receives a meal.

How is the food quality maintained during preparation and delivery? Our kitchen follows rigorous HACCP-certified food safety standards, with quality checks at every stage from preparation to delivery. Meals are kept warm in insulated flasks, ensuring they arrive fresh and ready to serve.

How do you handle allergy concerns within the school? Our meals are colour-coded by dietary preference and allergens, making it easy for staff to distribute meals safely. We also provide training and support for school staff on handling allergen-safe meals.

What should we do if a parent has a specific question about their child’s meal? If a parent has questions about their child’s meal or dietary needs, we encourage schools to direct them to our dedicated support team. Our staff is available to assist with any inquiries and provide the information parents need.

How are food waste and sustainability managed? We take a zero-waste approach with our reusable, sanitised thermo flasks, eliminating the need for waste disposal at the school. Any food waste generated is collected, taken back with us, and converted into energy, supporting a sustainable cycle. Additionally, we prioritise local sourcing and carefully plan meal portions to minimise waste, creating an eco-friendly service that’s convenient for schools.

Can 360 School Lunch provide a report on sustainability practices for our school’s records? Yes, we can provide a summary of our sustainability practices, including waste management, local sourcing, and energy conversion. This report can be used for school records or to share with parents interested in our eco-friendly practices.

What should we do if there are changes in the number of students receiving lunches? If there’s a change in the number of students or dietary requirements, simply notify our team via your school’s designated contact. We’ll adjust the meal count to reflect any updates and ensure that the correct portions arrive each day.

CLEAR ANSWERS FOR CONFIDENT CHOICES