“As food insecurity rises, there has been considerably more government investment in emergency food relief in the school setting, in the form of school breakfast programs,” says Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) CEO Deanne Wooden.
Although she says it is necessary in the current cost-of-living crisis that is impacting families across Australia, Wooden says “the rapid rate of increase is unsustainable, while at the same time we are seeing school canteens close their doors”.
“Universal school meals are part of the conversation, but genuine roll-out is years away,” Wooden told EducationDaily.
“What is the backup for hungry children – ever more emergency food relief, or a systematic and sustainable response through the school canteen?”
Wooden hopes it’s the latter, but for families looking for affordable school lunch solutions now to get through term three and be able to provide their school-aged children with food and snacks that provide the quality nutrition needed to support effective learning, she shared some school lunch box menu suggestions and tips.

School lunch tips for families
“This winter, as the weather and cost-of-living continue to bite, ordering from the school tuckshop can be a warming treat that doesn’t need to be costly or unhealthy,” she told EducationDaily.
- Tuckshops work hard to keep prices affordable because they know some families are doing it tough. To get the best value for your spend, stick with a warm and filling main meal item. Water from a bubbler is the best drink, and stocking lunch boxes with a fruit snack from home is cheap and convenient.
- When planning affordable and exciting winter school lunches, an insulated food thermos can be your child’s best friend. Make extra of their favourite dinner meal, and heat just before packing them off to school for a warming lunchtime treat. Don’t forget to pack a fork!
Some suggested recipes that can be enjoyed as a family meal and provide affordable leftovers for lunchboxes, and are great additions to school canteen and tuckshop menus, include:
- Tuna Pasta Bake
- Magic Mince
- Mexican Beef and Rice
- Green Mac and Cheese
- Butter Chicken
- Oven-fried Rice
Nutrition aids learning
As CEO of Foodcore Nutrition Services in Western Australia (formerly the WA School Canteens Association), Megan Sauzier told EducationDaily she echoes Wooden’s sentiments.
“Canteens and tuckshops are small businesses, and they are also feeling the pressure of rising costs, just like at home,” she says.
“To keep costs low for families, here are some of our top tips for the canteen (and home) menu.”:
- Use seasonal produce – it is higher quality which means it will last longer
- Bulk up meals by using less lean meat that is expensive and add vegetables, canned lentils and beans
- Design meals around one central recipe or core ingredient e.g.
- Multiple recipes that use carrot – raw vegie sticks, grated in sandwiches, diced in pasta
- Chilli con carne served with a) toasted tortillas; b) Mexican pasta bake; c) steamed rice
- Choose cost-effective items that do not require much preparation, are consistently available and have a fairly stable price e.g.
- Canned pineapple rings; place in the freezer for a cool treat; cost price is around $0.25 each
- Frozen cob cobs, steam and serve at recess; cost price is approximately $0.45 each
- Ensure the menu has a few low-cost items. One of the most popular recipes on our website is ‘Hot Wheels’ – slices of potato topped with cheese and baked – delicious, nutritious, easy to prepare and a great winter menu idea.