Up to 875,000 Queensland kids could benefit from additional Queensland Government funding secured by the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) to continue to deliver the Healthier Tuckshops Program.
More than a third of families rely on the school tuckshop once a week to feed their kids. And with 88 per cent of parents placing high importance on the availability of healthy food and drink options, programs like these have never been more crucial.
QAST Executive Officer, Keryn O’Neill, welcomes the funding and says that tuckshops offer far more than just a quick meal – they are an integral part of the school experience that benefits students, parents and schools.
“Tuckshops can play a role in helping children understand nutrition and develop healthy eating habits for life,” Ms O’Neill said.
“With the rising cost of living, it’s never been more important for tuckshops to supply affordable and healthy food and drinks to students.”
The Healthier Tuckshops Program, delivered by QAST, provides practical support, resources, and training to help school tuckshops offer healthy, appealing, and affordable food choices.
The program assists schools in aligning tuckshop menus with the Queensland Department of Education’s Smart Choices – Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy and provides ongoing guidance to support tuckshop convenors and volunteers.
Students from all Queensland schools can benefit from the program, including current Grade 12 student, Zaisha Davey from Ferny Grove State High School.
“It’s not always easy to find healthy food when you’re buying meals outside the home. That’s why having good options at the school tuckshop makes a big difference. It’s where I can get something tasty and healthy that keeps me going through the day,” Zaisha said.
“Thanks to support from Health and Wellbeing Queensland, QAST can keep working with tuckshops all over Queensland to make menus healthier and more exciting for students like me.”
“We know how hard tuckshop convenors and volunteers work, and with this renewed funding, we’re proud to support the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops to reach even more schools across the state — helping make healthy, affordable menus the norm in every Queensland school,” said Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive, Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
“This program is one of several successful prevention initiatives we’re proud to support across Queensland — all working toward a common goal: helping people live healthier lives, right where they are. By investing in practical, community-led programs like Healthier Tuckshops, we’re making prevention part of everyday life, and supporting healthier futures for the next generation.”
For the past four years, the Healthier Tuckshops Program has supported Queensland school tuckshops to provide healthier options in their tuckshops, with strong positive feedback from school communities.
With the new funding, QAST aims to expand its outreach to rural and remote areas, ensuring all Queensland students—regardless of location—benefit from healthy food options at school.
