Associate Education Minister David Seymour has unveiled plans for a revamped Healthy School Lunches Programme, set to save taxpayers a substantial $107 million annually.

This initiative, embracing innovation and commercial expertise, promises to efficiently deliver nutritious meals to more students while reducing costs.

"We are committed to responsible management of taxpayers' money," asserts Mr Seymour, emphasising the Government's dedication to fiscal prudence.

Under the revamped programme, all students currently benefitting from school lunches will continue to receive them, but at a significantly reduced cost to taxpayers.

A new targeted initiative will extend food support to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds attending low-equity, community-based early learning services.

Mr Seymour underscores the importance of early childhood nutrition, stating, "The first 1,000 days are key to a child's development. I am proud this government can innovate to help even more children who need it."

The Budget 2024 allocates $478 million towards the school lunches programme, facilitating an interim model for 2025 and 2026.

This interim phase will pave the way for a comprehensive redesign based on commercial expertise, data analysis, and evidence-based strategies.

"While maintaining continuity for primary learners in years 0 to 6, an alternative provision model will be introduced for older students," explains Mr Seymour.

This model leverages government buying power to cut costs, empower schools with menu flexibility, and minimise wastage.

Additionally, it offers students and parents the option to prepare their own lunches.

Acknowledging fiscal constraints inherited from the previous administration, Mr Seymour underscores the necessity of prudent spending to avoid disruption to children and families.

"We believe in delivering improved outcomes without necessarily increasing expenditure," he states, contrasting the current approach with past practices.

The revised programme promises meals that resonate with children's preferences, featuring familiar staples like sandwiches and fruit over exotic options like quinoa and hummus.

"This improved school lunches programme reflects our commitment to enhancing public services while being mindful of taxpayer resources," affirms Mr Seymour.

Beyond lunches, students benefiting from taxpayer-funded meals will continue to enjoy support through initiatives like the Kickstart Breakfast and Fruit in Schools programmes.

For the remainder of 2024, the school lunches programme will operate as usual, honouring existing contracts and commitments.

The introduction of this cost-saving initiative highlights the Government's commitment to enhancing child welfare and educational outcomes while responsibly managing public funds.