Our Mission

To work alongside schools and communities to improve student access to nutritious food while advocating to Federal and State Governments for a universal school meals program that ensures every child can learn without hunger.

Our Vision

An Australia where every student can participate in education without being disadvantaged by hunger or food insecurity.

Values of School Meals for Australia

  • Students should be supported without embarrassment, judgement or unnecessary identification.

  • Food safety, child safety and responsible supervision must sit at the centre of every program.

  • Schools, families and local communities should help shape the service delivered in their community.

  • Meals should be practical, appealing and informed by suitable nutrition guidance.

  • Funding, outcomes, challenges and program costs should be communicated honestly.

  • Expansion should be based on evaluated results rather than ambition alone.

  • Programs should consider allergies, disability, culture, religion and different dietary requirements.

What Makes Our Approach Different?

School Meals for Australia is not simply seeking to operate isolated food-relief programs.

Our primary goal is to build the public, political and community support required for the Australian Government, working with State and Territory Governments, to establish and fully fund a universal school meals program.

Our proposed approach is to:

  • advocate directly to Federal, State and Territory Governments;

  • build partnerships with schools, communities, food providers and researchers;

  • develop a practical and financially sustainable national policy proposal;

  • consult nutrition, education, child-safety and food-service experts;

  • demonstrate potential delivery models through carefully designed pilots;

  • independently evaluate outcomes wherever possible;

  • publish evidence, costs and recommendations openly;

  • raise public awareness of student hunger and food insecurity; and

  • campaign for universal access to nutritious breakfast and lunch during the school day.

The long-term objective is clear: a nationally supported school meals system that is properly funded, professionally delivered and available to every Australian student.