26 November 2025
The SA Greens are calling on the Malinauskas to make breakfasts and lunches free for all public school students in line with the recommendations of a Parliamentary inquiry which was tabled in the Upper House yesterday afternoon.
State Parliament’s Social Development Committee found that up to 16% of South Australians experience food insecurity, with rising numbers of teachers and principals reporting that children are arriving at school without breakfast or lunch. It found that universal nutritious school meal programs improve learning outcomes, attendance, social cohesion, and long-term health and concluded that a staged rollout is both necessary and achievable, and it would position SA as a national leader in child wellbeing and educational equity.
“This report reveals that child hunger is a growing problem in our state and leaves no doubt that a school meals program would make a huge difference to countless South Australian families,” said Greens MLC Robert Simms.
“The Greens have repeatedly called for the introduction of free breakfasts and lunches for schoolkids to reduce pressure on parents, improve educational outcomes and ensure that every South Australian child can succeed at school,” said Greens MLC Robert Simms.
“With so many South Australian families struggling to put food on the table and the cost of living continuing to soar, the State Government should be doing everything it can to provide relief to struggling parents. The Malinauskas Government must take up the recommendations of the inquiry and commit to making free school breakfasts and lunches a reality.”
“Many places around the world already have programs like this in place, and it’s time for SA to do the same.”
The report of the committee can be found at the following link: https://committees.parliament.sa.gov.au/committee/396/Social%20Development%20Committee/55/55th%20Parliament%2003%2F05%2F2022%20-%20Current/55