School and Families Resources

Explore practical resources to help schools and families create positive food cultures where children are supported to eat well, try a variety of foods and develop healthy relationships with food.

Improving the Food Culture at Your School

A positive school food culture is about more than what appears on the canteen menu. It includes how food is provided, promoted and talked about across the school community. By offering nutritious choices, involving students and connecting food with learning, schools can create an environment that supports children’s health, wellbeing and enjoyment of food.

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FAQ’s for Schools

What is a positive school food culture?

A positive school food culture makes nutritious food accessible, appealing and part of everyday school life. It encourages children to explore different foods without pressure and supports consistent messages about food across the canteen, classroom and wider school community.

How can our school improve its food culture?

Start with small, achievable changes. These could include introducing more nutritious canteen choices, involving students in menu ideas, creating a school garden, using positive language about food or connecting food with classroom learning.

How can we encourage students to choose nutritious foods?

Make nutritious options visible, appealing and easy to choose. Give students opportunities to taste unfamiliar foods, involve them in food-related activities and focus on enjoyment, variety and discovery rather than labelling foods as “good” or “bad”.

What support is available for schools?

School Food Matters supports Tasmanian schools through programs including SmartFood, the School Lunch Program and Foodies. Each provides different ways to help schools offer nutritious food, strengthen their food culture and support children to eat well. Explore our programs and become a School Food Matters School Member to find the support that best suits your school.

Improving the Food Culture at Home

A positive food culture at home can help children feel comfortable around food and build healthy habits that last. Sharing meals, offering a variety of foods and keeping conversations relaxed can make eating a more enjoyable experience for the whole family. It does not need to be perfect. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference over time.

FAQ’s for Families

What does a positive food culture at home look like?

It means creating a relaxed and supportive environment where food is enjoyed without guilt, pressure or judgement. Children are encouraged to listen to their bodies, explore different foods and take part in family meals in ways that suit their age and abilities.

How can I encourage my child to try new foods?

Continue offering unfamiliar foods alongside foods your child already enjoys, without forcing them to taste or finish anything. Children often need to see, touch or taste a food many times before becoming comfortable with it.

What if my child refuses certain foods?

Food refusal is common, particularly in younger children. Try to stay calm, avoid preparing food as a reward or punishment, and continue providing a variety of options. Looking, touching or smelling a new food can still be a positive step.

How can we make family mealtimes more positive?

Where possible, eat together, reduce distractions and keep conversation relaxed. Involve children in age-appropriate activities such as choosing vegetables, washing produce, stirring ingredients or setting the table.

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