Over 40% of food and drink eaten in a child’s day occurs during school hours. That's why it's important for schools to promote and provide food and drink that helps children and young people grow and develop. Find out more on this page about what schools and preschools do, as well as tips for how you can help.
Ideas for snacks, lunch and drinks your child can take to school or preschool
Parents and carers often help their children to pack snacks, lunch and drinks for school and preschool. This can include a recess snack, lunch, a bottle of water and maybe an extra serve of vegetable or fruit if your school offers ‘brain breaks’ - short breaks during class time.
For ideas and tips of what to pack in lunchboxes and ways to make it food safe see:
- Eating well - Preventive Health SA
- Healthy lunchbox builder - Cancer Council
- Safe School Lunches - SA Health
Your school, preschool or its governing council may provide more information about the food and drink eaten there. This might be due to health, food safety, allergy or storage needs.
More tips and ideas
The Department for Education has more information about food and drinks at your child’s school, including healthy options for birthdays and celebrations and how you can get involved and help your school.
Children with special food and drink requirements
You must inform your school, preschool or education service if your child has:
- special food needs related to health conditions, such as swallowing difficulties, for example cystic fibrosis or diabetes
- a food allergy.
Talk to your school or preschool about putting a health care plan in place.
How schools and preschools support nutrition and healthy eating
Schools teach children about food and nutrition as part of the curriculum.
Schools and preschools also:
- offer learning to promote food skills and nutrition knowledge
- can support you to find a health professional if you have a nutrition or food concern relating to your child
- promote positive eating practices during lunch and snack breaks and where food is sold or provided
- discuss and manage food-related risks with parents and carers
- use student health care plans if your child has one.
The Right Bite Food and Drink Supply standards, provided by the Department for Education in partnership with Preventive Health SA, guides schools to supply healthy and safe food and drinks when they're sold or provided.
Contact
Department for Education
Engagement and Wellbeing – Food and Nutrition
Email: education.rightbite@sa.gov.au
Related information
On this site
Other websites
- Eat for health – Australian Government
