By upgrading facilities and equipment, the program seeks to enhance efficiency and expand the availability of nutritious meal options for students More school canteens across Western Australia are set for…

By upgrading facilities and equipment, the program seeks to enhance efficiency and expand the availability of nutritious meal options for students

More school canteens across Western Australia are set for significant upgrades as applications open under the Australian Government’s new Supporting School Canteens Program.

The $10 million initiative aims to improve access to healthy, affordable food for students by funding equipment purchases and infrastructure upgrades in school canteens. Public schools across WA can now apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 in the program’s first funding round.

The funding is expected to ease operational pressures on school canteens, many of which are run by volunteers and rely heavily on community donations. By upgrading facilities and equipment, the program seeks to enhance efficiency and expand the availability of nutritious meal options for students.

The initiative builds on the Government’s expanded School Breakfast Program, further strengthening efforts to promote student wellbeing and improve nutrition standards in schools.

Officials emphasised that access to healthy food plays a critical role in student performance, helping improve focus, engagement, and overall learning outcomes. The program also aims to support families by reducing cost-of-living pressures through more affordable food options at school.

Further funding rounds and application dates are expected to be announced later this year.