Healthy Eating Schools and Canteens

Tasmanian Government schools provide a range of services and programs to support the health and well-being of your child.

Your child is more likely to thrive at school if they feel happy, confident and secure.

Many of these are strongly connected to what your child will be learning in class.

School canteens

  • Healthy eating is encouraged in all Tasmanian Government schools.
  • School canteens have a central role in the education and health of the students and schools they serve.
  • Schools work hard to help ensure children learn about being healthy and active – and that the food served in canteens is healthy!
  • Many schools are participating in the SmartFood Program which offers a model of best practice for canteens. It provides guidelines and procedures for high quality and safe food service for school students and staff.
  • For information on your school’s canteen operating hours, ordering arrangements and menu, contact your child’s school.

Move Well Eat Well!

  • Over 100 Tasmanian Government schools are now participating in the Move Well Eat Well Program.
  • The program works to create a whole school environment that promotes healthy eating and physical activity. It provides primary schools with a simple framework and resources to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.
  • The program provides healthy lifestyle messages parents can give their children at home.

What you can do to help

  • Send your child to school with water in their drink bottle.
  • Limit high fat, salty and sugary foods to special occasions.
  • Pack two serves of fruit and up to five serves of vegetables in your child’s lunchbox.
  • If you need help with knowing the right kind of food to put in your child’s lunchbox, go to Move Well Eat Well website for advice.

Start the Day Right

  • Breakfast is important because it provides the body with fuel after an overnight fast. A healthy breakfast provides your body with the nutrients and energy needed to get through the day.
  • Providing children with a nutritious breakfast is important for a range of reasons. These include health, success at school and overall wellbeing.

Where can I get more information?