Three Tasmanian schools have trialled a new lunch program, with a hot sit-down meal served to students every day rather than a typical bring-your-own-lunch system most Australian schools use.
Julie Danbabin of the Tasmanian Canteen Association organised the trial after noticing that in many countries school children sat down to eat hot meals, and collaborated with three schools to trial the program with a budget of $4 per meal.
The trial is linked to an increase in attendance, with one student’s attendance improving by 80%, as well as more positive student engagement in classrooms, leading to more focused and driven learning.