Our recommendations for supporting Tasmanian school lunch and garden programs under the proposed food safety regulations

School Food Matters has provided a submission in response to the Tasmanian Government’s Draft Primary Produce Safety (Horticulture Produce) Regulations 2026, sharing the practical perspective of delivering the School Lunch Program across approximately 60 schools statewide.

While supporting the detailed submission prepared by our delivery partner, Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, our submission highlights the unique considerations for structured, recurring, non-commercial school food programs.

Drawing on our experience working with schools across Tasmania, the submission outlines the importance of ensuring future regulations:

• support children’s access to fresh, local food;
• recognise the educational value of school gardens supplying school lunch programs;
• acknowledge existing food safety systems already operating within community food programs; and
• remain practical and proportionate for organisations delivering programs across many schools and communities.

School Food Matters believes strong food safety and positive health outcomes go hand in hand. By sharing our operational experience, we hope to contribute to a regulatory framework that protects public health while continuing to support school food programs, food literacy and access to nutritious local produce.

We thank the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania for the opportunity to contribute and look forward to ongoing collaboration as the regulations are finalised.