THE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Good school food, affordable for all.
In Australia today, 15% of children arrive at school without lunch or money to buy it and rates of food insecurity and cost of living continue to increase. And at the same time, international studies clearly show the benefits nutritious food has on growing brains.
We believe the time has come for school food to be universal and government-supported to ensure no child misses out on the nutrition they require to thrive and learn.
So how can we do this?
We teamed up with Berrima Public School in NSW in 2023 to trial a new way to serve lunch at school, aiming to create a model that can be implemented nationally. We collaborated closely with the school leadership to build systems and remove barriers to make fresh, delicious meals a new normal.
Why is our Lunch Program unique?
It is for everyone: A hot lunch plus morning and afternoon tea is offered to every child, every day.
It is equitable: Parents pay $5 a day, and the school covers the cost for children whose families need support.
It is social: Children sit together for lunch and use plates and crockery.
Food is delicious, nutritious and fresh: Meals are prepared onsite from scratch by a qualified chef.
It is local: Ingredients are sourced locally where possible with a farm-to-school supply chain as an end goal.
It is educational: The chef is also an educator, and links the program to the school curriculum.
Berrima Public School: A Case Study
An evaluation report was published by Flinders University to understand the impact and outcomes in the 12 months since the program was launched. Their findings showed improvements in the following areas:
Health and Develpoment
✔️ Improved nutrition compared to lunch boxes, especially for families who struggle
✔️ Increased food autonomy, greater recognition of hunger and fullness cues and broadened food preferences.
Social Wellbeing
✔️ Improved connectedness and social cohesion.
Education
✔️ Improved food literacy, even with fussy eaters.
Equity
✔️ Every child received the same meal; the school covered the cost of any children whose parents are unable to contribute payment.
✔️ Dietary and cultural needs catered to.
Environment
✔️ Reduced parental lunchbox and morning stress
We are currently taking expressions of interest from schools considering to join the next intake of pilot schools. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to learn more!
Get the Facts
LUNCHBOX
LOSES
Research shows more than 1/3 of the food students eat at school is unhealthy. Most lunchboxes contain no vegetables.
EAT WELL,
THINK BETTER
Kids who eat well at school achieve better academic results and enjoy better mental health.
FOLLOW
THE LEAD
One in two children globally receive lunch at school. A recent trial in Tasmania confirmed the benefits.
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