The Meals in Schools program will be piloted at both primary and high schools. Photo: Lottie Twyford.
Students at five ACT public schools will now have access to free breakfast and lunch three days a week as part of a trial program.
Gilmore Primary School, Richardson Primary School, Narrabundah Early Childhood School, Gold Creek School (high school campus) and Melba Copland Secondary School senior campus (years 10-12) will take part in the $1.462 million Meals in Schools pilot, a 2020 ACT Labor election commitment.
Education Minister Yvette Berry said there would be a range of different options for students.
“The Meals in Schools pilot will be delivered in collaboration with school communities, including Parents & Citizens Associations,” Minister for Education Yvette Berry said.
“Teachers, students, parents and carers will have the opportunity over the next few months to help design delivery of the pilot in their school, to ensure it meets the needs of their school community.”
The pilot will run for 18 months, with rollout beginning from Term 3 of this year.
It will be delivered in collaboration with the school communities, including Parents & Citizens Associations.
Ms Berry said it was all about making sure children and young people were able to learn to their full potential.
“National and international research shows that students benefit from access to healthy and nutritious food at school,” she said.
“It improves students’ learning and well-being, gives them a better understanding of nutrition and increases their satisfaction with school.”
Student uptake of the service will be tracked through an independent evaluation process to study the impact of free school meals on student satisfaction and the effectiveness of food delivery.
