Program School Lunch Project – Pilot “Susan loved the bolognaise in Week 2. Prior to the lunch project, we routinely made bolognaise at home, just without the lentils and extra vegetables. We serve steamed vegetables on the side. After the success of the school lunch, we tried the new variant recipe at home, and it was enjoyed by the whole family.” Parent, May 2025 Curious About the Program? See what the program’s all about and how you can be part of the change. Contact Us The Global Goals For Sustainable Development Overview Providing Children with a cooked lunch while at school has the potential to positively influence long term health and wellbeing outcomes. A school lunch provision initiative was trialled in Tasmania in 2020 and has since extended due to its success. The trail found that children concentrated better in class, they were more likely to try new foods, it helped develop the childrens social skills and the ability to form friendships. The initiative also found that it and saved families time and money. An adapted school lunch program is being trailed at Bekerley Public School. Students in Year 1 will be offered cooked lunch made from scratch on site. This partnership program is supported by Healthy Cities Australia, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and University of Wollongong. Aim We want to know if providing cooked lunches at Berkeley Public School can help children and their families overcome some of the challenges associated with school lunches. Objectives To assess the effect of the trial school lunch program on participating students’ dietary intake, wellbeing, academic outcomes, and attendance. To assess what students, parents, food provision staff and school staff liked and disliked about the school lunch program and determine the associated benefits and challenges. What’s involved · Lunch will be served during first break in the Kitchen Garden room. · Children will sit at a table set for six children. · The cook and helpers will serve the meal to the children on a plate. · Children will have 20 minutes to enjoy lunch in a social, pressure-free setting and chat with their friends. · At the end of the meal break, children will be asked to clear their plate and place setting. · Children will have the opportunity to provide feedback about each meal. Resources https://www.islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/health-promotion/research/school-lunch-program-berkeley-public-school https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-08/tas-school-lunches-expanding-so-how-is-it-going/104894686