KI District High to join School Lunch club

King Island District High School has been selected to join the Tasmanian Government’s Healthy School Lunch Program in 2026, giving local students the chance to enjoy a free, nutritious meal every school day.

The program, delivered in partnership with School Food Matters, is expanding from 30 to 60 government schools by 2026. Since launching in June 2024, around 320,000 hot lunches have been served, with more than 13,000 free lunches now enjoyed each week across 45 schools statewide.

Minister for Education Jo Palmer said the initiative was making a real difference to young Tasmanians.

“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.”

Fifteen additional schools have been confirmed to join the program in 2026, including King Island District High School.

To support the rollout, participating schools will receive equipment and installation upgrades where needed.

Minister Palmer said the initiative is also easing household budgets.

“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.”