Mainland states are keeping a close eye on Tasmania’s innovative school lunch project, which delivered 78,832 meals to hungry Tassie students at 15 schools in 2022.
The project, which was founded by School Food Matters and funded by the Tasmanian Government and a philanthropist, caters to kids from Kindergarten right through to grade 10.
In 2020, a feasibility study was conducted in three schools for 20 days, and the project was later launched in 15 government schools.
Now, the project has been expanded to 30 government schools, after it was so well received by the initial school communities.
The food served to students is cooked by Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, a social enterprise that provides cooked meals to the schools in partnership with local growers and producers.
The cost per meal to produce, package, and transport to schools in 2022 was $3.09.
As a result of the program, two-thirds of students were reported to be trying new foods and enjoying lunches with their friends.
