310 schools are being added to the Deis programme for this school year but won't receive meals.
Up until this year, all kids in DEIS schools were provided with a free lunch through a government school meals scheme.
A principal of a DEIS school says she can't believe there's no joined-up thinking when it comes to providing school lunches to disadvantaged children.
60,000 won't receive meals this September despite their schools recently coming under the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme.
The Department of Social Protection says funding's only available for those currently in the programme.
The Department also say extending the meals scheme will be considered as part of Budget 2023.
Principal of St Joseph's Primary School in Tipperary, Louise Tobin, says the plan should already be in place.
Louise added that school lunches increase attendance in classrooms in disadvantaged areas:
"It's one tangible thing that parents can see because the children love it."
"For parents in disadvantaged areas, this is a big, big bonus to know their child is going to get a healthy lunch every day."
"Why the Department of Social Protection didn't cop that we need to ask for additional funding for school lunches. I just can't believe it didn't happen."
