School Lunch Program
The School Lunch Program provides nutritious, freshly prepared lunches to students in participating government schools across Tasmania. Delivered by School Food Matters in partnership with schools and Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, the program helps children eat well, learn and thrive while building a positive food culture within school communities.
This program is proudly funded by the Department for Education, Children and Young People.
Supporting Learning, Wellbeing & Local Food Systems
The School Lunch Program is a place-based initiative designed to improve food security and support student concentration and learning through access to fresh, locally sourced meals. The program is delivered in partnership with Loaves and Fishes Tasmania and school food service staff, with expert input from dietitians at the Department of Health.
Currently, 60 schools state-wide participate, receiving around 21,500 nutritious meals per week— this adds up to around 750,000 meals annually. Our long-term vision is to expand the program to all Tasmanian school students, 5 days a week.
“The School Lunch Program has been an enriching experience for both students and staff at Campbell Town District High School. It has fostered a stronger school community, with students of all ages sharing meals together. We’ve seen previously disengaged students attending school more regularly, young learners becoming more open to trying new foods, and the development of valuable mealtime skills. The excitement around our ‘Old School House Diner’ is undeniable—students look forward to their meal days with smiles and full bellies. We truly hope to continue being part of this incredible program for years to come.”
— Gemma Pullen, Secondary Hospitality Teacher, CTDHS
This program is proudly funded by the Department for Education, Children and Young People and delivered in collaboration with key community partners.
What is the impact of the School Lunch Program?
What’s on the menu?
Our School Lunch Program menus are developed by dietitians and kitchen specialists to provide nutritious, varied and appealing meals for students. Feedback from Kitchen Supervisors, school staff and students also helps us understand what works well and continue improving the menu.
Term 3 Menu
Explore the meals being served through the School Lunch Program this term, including a range of nutritious and student-friendly dishes.
Menu Standards for Tasmanian School Lunches
School lunches are developed in line with the Tasmanian Department of Health’s Menu Standards for Tasmanian School Lunches. The standards help ensure meals are nutritious, varied, inclusive and appropriately portioned for students of different ages.
2024 Final Report: School Lunch Program
The Menzies Institute for Medical Research has released the Final Report on the School Lunch Project. School lunches have been embraced by all schools, with a common sense of purpose, shared vision, and commitment to feeding children with yummy, locally sourced and cooked from scratch lunches.
What did the report find?
- A more positive attitude to unfamiliar foods
- Positive behaviour change
- Improved school attendance
- Enhanced social connectedness Improvement in food security – unused food provided to families and the local community
Our Participating Schools
Looking for more information?
Have a question about the School Lunch Program or how it works in participating schools?
Get in touch with the School Food Matters team.