ACT Labor believes in helping all children and young people to reach their potential. That’s why we’re piloting free meals in public schools.

We know that students benefit from healthy and nutritious food at school. It improves learning and wellbeing, and increases connection and sense of belonging. You can’t learn on an empty stomach.

In 2020, ACT Labor promised to trial free school meals, and now we’re delivering.

Students at five local schools will get free breakfast and lunch three days a week under the pilot.

Gilmore Primary School, Richardson Primary School, Narrabundah Early Childhood School, Gold Creek School (high school campus) and Melba Copland Secondary School senior campus (years 10-12) will take part in the $1.46 million pilot over 18 months.

The Canberra Liberals ridiculed this idea, calling it a “distraction”. They are out of touch and not listening to the Canberra community.

We know that when we improve equity in our education system, we improve outcomes for all students.

That’s why ACT Labor has also delivered free chromebooks for public high school and college students, and the Future of Education Equity fund, which help families doing it tough with their school expenses.

ACT Labor is delivering a better future for Canberra, where every local public school is a great school.

*See what the Canberra Liberals said when we announced this commitment back in 2020.