19 September 2025

Jo Palmer, Minister for Education

More Tasmanian students will benefit from a free, healthy school lunch each day, with the Tasmanian Government expanding its Healthy School Lunch Program to a further 15 Government schools in 2026.
The Tasmanian Government is partnering with School Food Matters to deliver the program, expanding it from 30 to 60 Tasmanian Government schools by 2026.
Since its launch in June 2024, around 320,000 hot lunches have been served, and more than 13,000 free lunches are now being enjoyed every week in 45 Government schools.
Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, said the program is delivering real benefits for Tasmanian students, families, and school communities.
“We know that when children have a healthy lunch, they are more likely to concentrate and enjoy school,” Minister Palmer said.
“This program supports our students’ wellbeing and learning through access to nutritious food, with Principals and other school staff reporting that students are trying new foods and encouraged to form healthier eating habits.
“Having access to nutritious meals sets the foundation for students to engage in their learning and thrive in the classroom.”
The Expression of Interest process for the next 15 government schools to start the program in 2026 has now been finalised. The next schools selected to join the School Lunches Program in 2026 are:
  • Cape Barren Island School and Flinders Island District School
  • Sassafras Primary School
  • King Island District High School
  • Legana Primary School
  • Cressy District High School
  • St Mary's District High School
  • Glenorchy Primary School
  • Westerway Primary School
  • Orford Primary School
  • Brighton Primary School
  • Kempton Primary School
  • Bothwell District School
  • Invermay Primary School
  • Windermere Primary School
  • Collinsvale Primary School
New participating schools will receive equipment and installation upgrades where required.
Minister Palmer said the program is not only helping children, but also easing pressures on families.
“The Tasmanian Government is committed to helping families with cost of living through initiatives like the School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Club,” she said.
“We’re working together to move our state forward and helping Tasmanians deal with the challenges they face, with compassion and commonsense.”