Independent candidate for Ovens Valley Steve Manning says he will propose a state-funded school lunch pilot if elected at this month’s Victorian election.

Mr Manning said the proposed pilot would be funded by the Victorian Government and initially operate for one school year, providing lunches three days a week at a few participating schools.

The locations would be selected in consultation with school communities and based on demonstrated need.

Mr Manning said with the cost of groceries, housing and everyday essentials continuing to put pressure on household budgets, he wanted to take some of the financial burden off regional families.

“School lunches are one of those everyday expenses that families have to find money for week after week,” he said.

“We know that providing access to nutritious food at school matters; it helps children get through the day, participate in their learning and feel included.

“For parents, knowing that their child can access a healthy lunch at school can also mean one less expense and one less thing to organise each week.”

Under the proposed model, all students at participating schools would be welcome to opt in, without families having to demonstrate financial hardship or explain their personal circumstances.

Mr Manning has been out in the community sharing information about the proposed pilot and spoke with local mum Em Scott.

Em, who runs a free fresh produce stand near her home in Wangaratta, where people can swap and share items including fruit and veg, said a school lunch program such as this was very much needed for many local families.

She cited examples of families accessing her stand and the difference it has made to their week, allowing them to be supported to provide fresh food for their families.

Mr Manning said a successful program needed to be properly resourced, without placing additional unpaid responsibilities on teachers, school staff or volunteers.

“Government funding needs to cover meal preparation, co-ordination, delivery, serving and the equipment and resources required to make it work. Not every school has a commercial kitchen or the facilities to prepare meals on site,” he said.

“We should look at flexible options, including local food providers, shared kitchens and centralised meal preparation, so smaller regional and rural schools can also participate."

The proposed pilot would prioritise nutritious and inclusive meals, accommodating allergies, cultural requirements and other dietary needs.

Mr Manning said the initiative was an example of the practical local solutions he wanted to advocate for in parliament.

“Cost-of-living relief isn’t just about the big-ticket expenses. It’s also about recognising the everyday costs that add up for regional families,” he said.

“I want to make sure Ovens Valley families aren’t missing out on practical support simply because we live in a regional community.”

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