Coasties are invited to participate in the new Healthy School Lunches programme, aimed at improving the delivery of nutritious meals to students in need.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on food manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, and distributors to register their interest in the revamped programme, which will start in Term 1, 2025.

"The Healthy School Lunches programme delivers lunches to over 240,000 children. It is a great opportunity for enterprises in the food industry to be a part of one of the biggest food programmes in the country," Seymour said.

The redesigned programme aims to reduce costs and minimise surplus food and waste.

Businesses with existing food infrastructures in communities are encouraged to register their interest and propose their involvement in the more efficient system.

Registrations will open on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) website on Monday, 12 August 2024.

The Ministry of Education, alongside an expert advisory group, has been working to enhance the programme's effectiveness.

"Using economies of scale and working with experts in wholesale food production and distribution might seem like common sense but both aspects were absent under the previous Government," Seymour remarked. The advisory group includes experts in procurement, logistics, contracting, child welfare, and nutrition.

Engagement with representatives from schools, kura, boards, and sector leaders has been ongoing.

Seymour highlighted the importance of this project, especially given the current cost of living and food insecurity affecting vulnerable children.

The Healthy School Lunches programme, funded by the 2024 Budget with $478 million, will also extend support to up to 10,000 two- to five-year-olds in early childhood centres.

The programme's redesign will combine commercial experience, data, and evidence for future improvements.