School Food Matters (SFM), with support from The Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF) has published a business case for an expanded School Lunch Program (SLP) which can ensure more school aged children across Tasmania have access to nutritious and tasty meals.

The SLP is currently offered in 30 schools statewide and is dedicated to advancing children’s educational capability through access to nutritious, locally sourced school meals and aims to foster a foundational understanding of nutrition, healthy eating habits and addressing food security.

SFM Executive Officer Kirsty Grierson said the study proposes a phased approach to growing the SLP to accommodate the practical realities of implementation and ensure its sustainability for the future.

“Tasmania is facing considerable challenges in reducing the disparities in health and education when compared to national benchmarks, revealing a landscape where urgent intervention and innovative approaches are needed to deliver significant improvements,” she said.

“The SLP is not just about feeding children, it’s about investing in their futures, improving educational outcomes and fostering a healthier community.”

The study is supported by evidence demonstrating how school lunch programs significantly improve attentiveness and reduce absenteeism.

For example, a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in the UK found that every £1 invested in school lunches yields an estimated return of £1.71 in core benefits.

The study recommends, gradually expanding to include all schools and initially operate on an average of two days per week, scaling up as it matures. Currently there are 30 schools in the School Lunch Program and with the future funding as promised by the government, it will expand to another 30 schools over the next 2 years. This will be a total of 60 schools.

With broad support from parents and schools alike, the SLP is set to make a lasting impact on Tasmania’s educational landscape.

Julie Dunbabin, School Lunch Program Manager, found inspiration during her 2019 Churchill Fellowship travels to seven countries around the world to research how other countries run their school lunch programs successfully.

“At least one third of a child’s daily energy intake is consumed at school.  Nutritious food in schools can lead to better focus and concentration, improved classroom behaviour and better learning outcomes.  We are excited that as the first state in Australia to establish a school lunch program, Tasmania is leading the way.”

TCF Chair Sally Darke said the program would break down significant barriers to education by ensuring all Tasmanian children are supported with sufficient school meals.

"The TCF is proud to support the SLP which is a crucial step towards removing barriers to learning for children across our state,” she said.

“By ensuring every child has access to a nutritious meal we are leveling the playing field and giving all students the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.

"When children have access to healthy meals, they are more likely to attend school regularly and participate fully in their education. The SLP is an investment in our children's future, ensuring they have the energy and focus needed to learn and thrive.

"The SLP exemplifies how community support and strategic initiatives can create significant positive change and by addressing the fundamental need for nutritious food, we are helping to build a stronger, healthier and more educated community.”

Funding for the current SLP is provided by the Tasmanian Government.