The Julie Dunbabin Food Culture Evolution Award
The Julie Dunbabin Food Culture Evolution Award celebrates schools that are making a positive difference to food culture within their school community.
Named in honour of School Food Matters founder Julie Dunbabin, the award recognises schools that embrace the belief that school food matters and demonstrate a commitment to creating positive food experiences for students, staff and the wider community.
Each year, one school is awarded a $500 grant to support an initiative that strengthens and enhances food culture within their school.
Nominations Now Open!
Do you know a school that is making a positive difference through food? We are now accepting nominations! This award recognises schools that are strengthening food culture, embracing the philosophy that school food matters, and creating meaningful outcomes for students and their communities.
We encourage nominations from anyone connected to the school community, including teachers, kitchen and canteen staff, parents and carers, School Business Managers, principals and School Food Matters Program Co-ordinators.
Submit your nomination today and help us celebrate the schools leading positive change through food.
Nominations will close 31 July 2026.
Award Timeline
July
School Nominations open
August
School nominations shortlisted
September
Award recipient selected and announced
About the Award
Food culture is about more than what is served on a plate. It includes the attitudes, experiences, learning opportunities and connections that help children develop a positive relationship with food.
The Julie Dunbabin Food Culture Evolution Award recognises schools that are:
- Engaging students in food-related learning and activities
- Building positive food experiences and food literacy
- Involving families and the broader community
- Demonstrating creativity and innovation through food programs
- Supporting sustainable food practices
- Creating lasting positive change within their school community
The Grant
The winning school receives a $500 grant to invest in a project that strengthens food culture within their school.
Examples may include:
- Food education activities and resources
- School garden projects
- Cooking workshops and special food events
- Sustainability initiatives related to food
- Other projects that support positive food culture outcomes
The school will work with School Food Matters to develop a plan for the use of the grant and share the impact of the project with the wider community.
School Nominations and Selection
Nominations are welcomed from anyone connected to the school community, including teachers, kitchen and canteen staff, parents and carers, School Business Managers, principals, and School Food Matters Program Co-ordinators.
All nominations are assessed against a set of criteria aligned with the values and purpose of the award. The recipient is selected based on their demonstrated commitment to strengthening food culture within their school community and creating positive, meaningful outcomes for students.
Celebrating Success
The award recipient is recognised through School Food Matters communication channels, including our website, newsletter and social media platforms.
By sharing the stories and achievements of award recipients, we hope to inspire schools across Tasmania to continue building positive, inclusive and sustainable food cultures.
More Information
For more information about the Julie Dunbabin Food Culture Evolution Award, please contact the School Food Matters team.