Taking pressure off parents and giving students nutritious meals to support their learning is at the forefront of a free lunch program at two Murray Bridge primary schools.

Amid concerns about children attending school hungry, the department has partnered with Drake’s Supermarkets to provide hundreds of students with more than 3000 free lunches in term 1.

Once a week, students at Murray Bridge South Primary School and Fraser Park Primary School can choose from various sandwich options and are provided with fruit and a muesli bar. The food items are purchased and delivered by Drakes and distributed by school staff.

Eating nutritious food is central to a young person’s ability to learn, with the program ensuring students have the right food “fuel” to concentrate in class.

Murray Bridge South Primary School Principal Michelle Shepherd said, this school lunch program is having a positive impact on student morale and engagement.

“Students are even trying new sandwich fillings they haven’t had before, with the turkey and lettuce sandwich being the talk of the school”.

“Students have been so excited to receive their lunch orders and eat together as a class at lunchtime – it’s enabling them to socialise on a deeper level”.

“I’ve been hearing from parents that they’re grateful to have a day where they don’t need to prepare lunch. The program’s taken a weight off their shoulders”, Ms Shepherd said.

Outcomes will be assessed after the trial ends, considering the impact of a one-day-per-week lunchtime program on both students and their families.

The two schools were selected with community demographics in mind to ensure cost-of-living support was directed to where it is most needed. It is hoped the free lunch program, in addition to pre-existing breakfast programs at the schools, will help ease pressures for these families.

Drakes is providing food aligned to the Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Standards, promoting student wellbeing through healthy eating. The South Australian, family-owned, supermarket delivers the lunch packs according to order forms filled out by students, so food isn’t wasted.

Drakes Supermarkets Director John-Paul Drake said, Drakes are big believers in feeding the people.

“By partnering with the Department for Education for a trial of the school lunch program, we’re hoping to pave the way to ensure that all South Australian kids get access to lunch”.

“Kids don’t learn if they don’t eat”.

“Australia lags well behind the rest of the world in providing children with healthy lunches to maximise their learning potential - it’s time that we caught up and have South Australia lead the way”.

“And show me a parent that wouldn’t be happy to not have to do lunch boxes in the morning”, said Mr Drake.