School Food Matters to Continue Delivering Tasmania’s Healthy School Lunch Program
We’re proud to share that School Food Matters will continue delivering Tasmania’s Healthy School Lunch Program after being identified as the successful tenderer by the Tasmanian Government.
The Healthy School Lunch Program will continue across Tasmania for the next 3 years. It currently operates in 60 participating government schools, serving more than 21,500 nutritious lunches each week to over 9,000 students.
Delivered in partnership with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, the program is about more than lunch. Every day, it gives children the opportunity to eat well, connect with others and thrive at school.
Kath Wilson, Chair of the Board of School Food Matters, said the organisation was proud to continue delivering the Healthy School Lunch Program in partnership with the Tasmanian Government and Loaves and Fishes Tasmania.
“School Food Matters is delighted to have been identified as the successful tenderer to continue delivering Tasmania’s School Lunch Program. We sincerely thank the Tasmanian Government for its continued support of this incredibly valuable service.”
Executive Officer Kirsty Grierson said the announcement reflected the commitment of the many people who had helped build the program into one of Tasmania’s most significant school food initiatives.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the vision and determination of the program’s founder, Julie Dunbabin, whose passion and leadership laid the foundations for what has become Australia’s largest universal school lunch program.”
“I would also like to acknowledge our extraordinary School Food Matters team, our school communities, delivery partners Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, researchers and supporters who have worked to build a program that Tasmania can be proud of. Their dedication, innovation and commitment have transformed an ambitious vision into a proven model that is impacting the lives of thousands of children every day.”
This new contract gives us the opportunity to keep building on the strong foundations of the School Lunch Program.
Kate Carlin, School Lunch Program Manager, said the continued partnership provided an opportunity to build on the program’s success while continuing to evolve and strengthen its impact for participating schools and students.
“Looking ahead, this funding means we can keep strengthening the School Lunch Program — continuing to improve the health, wellbeing and social connection of school communities right across Tasmania.”
Andrew Hillier, Chief Executive Officer of Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, said the continued partnership would allow both organisations to build on the strong foundations already established while continuing to deliver nutritious lunches to Tasmanian schools.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the trust placed in us. This partnership enables us to continue investing in a program that supports children’s health, wellbeing and educational outcomes while building a stronger, more food-secure Tasmania.”
“This isn’t simply about food. It’s about hope, dignity and giving every child the opportunity to reach their potential. We’re proud to play our part in strengthening a program that is making a genuine difference across Tasmania.”
“This funding will allow us to strengthen a program that is already making a real difference in the lives of thousands of Tasmanian children every week. Together with School Food Matters, schools, local producers and our dedicated team, we’ll continue delivering nutritious, high-quality lunches that help children learn, participate and thrive.”
We sincerely thank the Tasmanian Government for its continued investment in the program. School Food Matters and Loaves and Fishes Tasmania bring complementary expertise and a strong, established partnership to its delivery — combining School Food Matter’s experience in school food, nutrition and working directly with schools, with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania’s expertise in food procurement, large-scale production and statewide distribution. Together, we are delivering nutritious meals to students while strengthening school communities and connections with Tasmania’s growers, producers and local food system.
While this announcement marks an exciting new chapter, the success of the Healthy School Lunch Program continues to belong to the many people who make it possible every day. Thank you to everyone who has helped build the program into what it is today, we’re excited to continue the journey together.
Healthy School Lunch Program Impact:
- Currently More than 21,500 nutritious lunches served each week.
- Currently Supporting over 9,000 students across Tasmania every week.
- Delivered in 60 participating government schools.
- Delivered in partnership with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania.
- Supported by school communities, kitchen staff, volunteers, local suppliers and researchers.
Learn more about the program: Healthy School Lunch Program
