From August, students at five ACT public schools will have access to free breakfast and lunch, three days a week during school weeks.
30 July 2024
Students at five ACT public schools can access free meals, through an ACT Government pilot program.
From August, students can enjoy free healthy breakfasts and lunches three days a week during school weeks.
The pilot program is part of 2024–25 ACT Budget funding.
It will run until July 2025 at:
- Gilmore Primary School
- Richardson Primary School
- Narrabundah Early Childhood School
- Gold Creek School (senior campus – years 7 to 10)
- Melba Copland Secondary School (College campus only – years 10 to 12).
Healthy, varied meals
Meals will include tasty grab-and-go food such as yoghurt, fruit and vegetables, frittata, wraps and salad.
Participating schools will provide their full menu to families as the program begins.
An independently appointed nutrition service, The ACT Nutrition Support Service, has assessed the meals.
The service employs Accredited Practising Dietitians. They are all passionate about helping children develop a positive relationship with food.
The ACT Nutrition Support Service has provided nutrition education and support to schools, canteens and teachers since 2011.
Pilot timeline
Meal deliveries began from the week commencing 29 July at Gilmore and Richardson primary schools.
Narrabundah Early Childhood School and Gold Creek School will receive meals from the week beginning 5 August.
Deliveries will begin at Melba Copland Secondary School college campus the week beginning 12 August.
The Embrace Disability Group
The Embrace Disability Group has been awarded the contract to provide the meals.
Embrace has catering and canteen experience in the ACT and Jerrabomberra region.
An established catering group, they provide real-life working opportunities and hospitality training for people living with disabilities.
The importance of good nutrition
Nutrition has a real impact on students’ learning and wellbeing.
Access to meals at school can help children better understand nutrition and feel happier at school.
There will be opportunities for families, students and staff to give feedback on how they feel the pilot is working.
This will help the Education Directorate evaluate the pilot in the second half of 2025.
Each school will keep its community informed of the pilot’s progress.
Find out more about financial and resource assistance for families.
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