Primary School Children's Views and Habits Around School Lunches

Australia does not have a school-provided lunch program. Recent research has explored various groups' opinions on having such a program; however, children's perceptions have been under-explored. This study explored the current practises and perceptions of primary school children in Victoria, Australia, regarding school lunches.

An online survey conducted between late 2022 and mid-2024 gathered grades 4-6 children's opinions regarding school lunches.

Most children (84%, of total n = 138) reported bringing a packed lunch from home every day to school. Most children agreed that they like to have quick-to-eat food (84%) and warm or freshly cooked food (72%) for school lunch and have food warming and cooling facilities in school (61%). Slightly over half of children (52%) agreed that the time allocated for eating is long enough to eat their lunch. The most enjoyable aspects of school lunchtime were: socialising with friends, eating food, and the chance to break from learning. Aspects of school lunchtime that children disliked were: not having enough time to eat food, food rules, the lack of variety in meals or running out of food to eat, and unpleasant social interactions. When asked about their willingness to have school-provided lunches, 47% chose 'yes', and 45% chose 'maybe'.

Among this sample of primary school children, home-packed lunches remain the main food source at school lunchtime. They indicated a desire for additional lunchtime facilities and showed a willingness to have school-provided lunches. SO WHAT?: Greater consideration of children's perspectives could support policymakers and health promoters in identifying and developing targeted strategies to improve primary school lunches and the food environment.