A little bit about us

Looking for a job that actually makes a difference - and gives you something new every day?

At The Lunch Bag, we deliver healthy, hot school meals to children across Ireland. We're the country’s leading school meal provider, and we’re on a mission to help kids build healthy habits for life.

We’re changing children’s lives, one lunch at a time. Are you flexible, bubbly, and keen to bring a little extra joy to the school day? We’re looking for people who want to help us keep driving forward and doing something great. Bonus? You’re off when the schools are!

So, what’s the job?

We’re on the hunt for School Meals Cover Staff - reliable, adaptable people who can jump into action at short notice and keep things running like clockwork.

This isn’t your typical 9 - 5. You’ll be our on-the-ground hero, stepping into different schools as needed (when our staff in the schools are absent), bringing the smiles, and making sure no child goes hungry. If you’re looking for routine and predictability, this might not be for you. But if you like variety, enjoy being out and about, this could be your perfect fit - keeping you on your toes and feeling young!

Just like our regular school meals workers, you will be the smiley face representing us in the school. All meals are prepared in our headquarters in Nenagh, Tipperary, and then delivered to the schools. It’s from there that you’ll take over. Your duties will consist of heating the meals in the oven and then distributing them to classrooms.

If there’s no need for staff cover on a given day, you’ll head out to schools to carry out simple (but effective) audits. Our goal is always to provide the best possible service to children - and that includes staying on top of hygiene standards and following all HACCP and EHO guidelines.

If you’re a detail addict and thought this was a little vague, here’s a list for you:

• Go into a new work environment each day with enthusiasm and confidence.
• Load pre-packaged school meals into ovens.
• Turn on oven and heat meals to specific temperature according to HACCP guidelines.
• Unload ovens and distribute lunches to classrooms.
• Ensure adequate stock levels.
• Follow and maintain work and cleaning schedule.
• Maintain temperature and cleaning records.
• Restock the fruit bowls in each classroom.
• Distribute snacks to classrooms.
• Conduct audits in schools to ensure compliance with EHO requirements.
• HACCP and Manual Handling Training will be provided.

What we’re looking for

Since you’ll be representing The Lunch Bag in schools, we’re looking for doers - people who are sound, good-natured, and genuinely care about doing a good job. Our values matter to us, and to keep improving the lives of children across the country, we need people who share that same goal.

You’ll need to be a quick learner, great with people, and happy to go with the flow.

A full driving licence and your own transport are essential - some schools might be just around the corner, others could be a bit of a spin. But that’s part of the fun - you’ll get to know every back road and coffee spot in your area!

We’re not asking for bodybuilders, but you do need to be able to lift 14kg boxes as part of the job. You may also need to climb some stairs – not every school in Ireland has a lift (just yet)!

Working with children is really rewarding – their cute little faces can brighten your day... just don’t let them get hungry or they’ll turn into tiny monsters! So we’re looking for someone who can work quickly, stay calm under pressure, and still do things properly.

If you’ve worked with kids or food before, great. If not, don’t let it put you off - we value people from all backgrounds and we’ll show you the ropes.

All you need is the ability to read English, follow instructions, and heat each lunch with care.

I still have questions actually…

No problem! We’re here to answer them.

• When will I work?

You will need to be available Monday to Friday from 7 am to 3.30pm. Your precise hours per day will depend on the school’s requirements.

• Will I have to work all year long?

No! As schools close for the summer, we follow the academic calendar. As a result, you will work with us approx 183 days of the year and will have the rest off to enjoy some well-deserved rest!

• What benefits do I get by joining The Lunch Bag?

Well, for starters - a decent rate of pay and a genuinely supportive team who’ve got your back.

The role’s flexible, ideal if you’re looking to ease back into work or just want something steady during school terms.

And best of all? You get to be part of a lovely school environment, surrounded by friendly faces (and the occasional tiny comedian in a uniform).

• How much is it paid?

It’s THE question everybody is asking! The same way we take care of the children in the schools, we take care of our people. You will earn €530 per week, and we’ll also cover your expenses for using your own car.