The government's newly revamped school lunch programme is set to save taxpayers over $130 million a year, while continuing to provide healthy, affordable meals to students.

Announced by Associate Education Minister David Seymour, the initiative aims to streamline costs and improve the quality of meals for schools across the country.

The programme, launching at the start of Term 1 next year, leverages private sector expertise to deliver meals at $3 each, well below the previous cost of $8.68 per student under the previous system.

Meal options will include dishes like butter chicken curry, chicken katsu, lasagne, and wraps, with students in years 0 to 8 receiving 240-gram portions, and older students getting larger meals with extras such as fruit or yoghurt.

“Every student receiving a school lunch today will continue to do so from day one of Term 1 next year,” said Seymour, who credited businesses like Compass Group and Gilmours for helping reduce costs through supply chain efficiencies.

Schools that prepare meals internally will receive additional funding to continue employing staff and sourcing ingredients through government-negotiated deals.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on schoolchildren, while ensuring better value for taxpayers through the new model.

Schools will continue to offer both hot and cold meal options, with a focus on providing nutritious, balanced meals for students of all ages.