Julie Dunbabin is a pioneer in school nutrition, who is changing the way education departments and schools prepare and deliver school lunches to children.
Julie’s vision is for all school children to receive a nutritious, sit-down meal every day, prepared from scratch in a school or central kitchen, using seasonal, local produce.
Today the School Lunch Program prepares 14,332 school lunches for 6,656 students every week. The program, which started initially with three schools, is expected to expand to 60 schools in 2026.
The program has clear benefits for children, ensuring they receive a nutritious meal each day and contributing to better social and learning outcomes. The model of cook-from-scratch kitchens also supports local producers, creates jobs for kitchen and warehouse staff, builds community involvement and addresses food security for families.
Julie’s determination to improve children’s diets is transforming how school lunches are delivered in Tasmania, inspiring a healthier food culture and enhancing food literacy.