$6.8 million for school students’ healthy breakfast and lunches

• A further 400 Queensland state schools have received funding to provide healthy and nutritious meals for students
• A total of $6.8 million has been allocated to 499 schools
• More than 180 000 students will be able to access the food program

The roll out of the Miles Government’s $15 million School and Community Food Relief program is delivering free healthy food options for more than 180 000 students from 499 Queensland State Schools.

The program includes $10.7 million for the Department of Education to support state schools to deliver food programs during the school day, including the option for some state schools to engage a food program coordinator.

The program is prioritised to schools in communities experiencing high cost of living pressures and food insecurity and is already making a difference.

Students do better at school with a full stomach and it is programs like this, coupled with the government’s other initiatives such as GPs in schools and providing access to well-being professionals in every school that can help them reach their potential, no matter where they live.

Rainbow Beach State School will receive $4,000 to establish a breakfast program for all 70 students enrolled at the school to access. This will be Rainbow Beach State School’s first school food program.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Di Farmer:

“Kids do better at school with a full stomach and its initiatives like our School and Community Food Relief Program that help deliver healthy food options to students in communities doing it tough.

“Together with our Student Wellbeing package, with provides access to mental health professionals and GPs in schools, the Miles Government is helping families to support their children’s health and wellbeing without increasing the pressure on family budgets.” 

Quote attributable to Rainbow Beach State School Principal Steven Bennett

“We are really excited to start our breakfast program. It will mean our students are getting the most important meal of the day, they’ll gather and share that meal together and get the best start to their day possible.

“We expect to see this translate into happier, healthier and more engaged students.

“Thank you to our community partners who’ll support our program delivery.”

Further information:

Schools receiving food program funding in 2024 attached as document

Media – Tim Auguston 0427 090 563

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