Feed the children: Food provision in early child care falls short

A major report on Australia's child care services has highlighted a significant gap in the provision of nutritionally adequate food in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. The report, published on the Social Ventures Australia website, recommends that access to adequate, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food be included in national quality standards for ECEC.

Researchers from The University of Queensland found that one in 10 child care centers do not provide food, and this issue is particularly prevalent in small rural towns, where only 58% of services provide food. Tasmania had the lowest rate of food provision at 66%, compared to 87%-94% in other states and territories. The report, titled "Food where it matters most," calls for governments to recognize access to nutritious food as a fundamental condition for children's learning, development, well-being, and participation in ECEC.

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