ACT Nutrition Support Service

28/02/2026

The ACT has strong policy ambition for children, but the latest data from the Australian Early Development Census shows outcomes are moving in the wrong direction.
With nearly one in three ACT children developmentally vulnerable or at risk, the need for early, coordinated nutrition support has never been clearer.
Nutrition during the first 1000 days shapes physical health, brain development and lifelong wellbeing. Yet families and early childhood services are navigating a fragmented system without a central point of support.
This is why the ACT Nutrition Support Service is calling for an ACT Government-funded Early Childhood Nutrition Hub to bridge the gap between evidence, policy and practice.

Read the latest piece from Region Canberra discussing the issue here:
https://region.com.au/act-childrens-lagging-physical-health-and-wellbeing-fuels-calls-for-early-childhood-nutrition-hub/941912/

Early Childhood Australia
Perinatal Wellbeing Centre
Dietitians Australia
ACT Government Health and Community Services

Nutrition Australia ACT is leading the call for the Territory to set up an Early Childhood Nutrition Hub, stating there's…

20/02/2026

Nutrition in the first 1000 days plays a vital role in children’s physical health, brain development and lifelong wellbeing, yet the ACT lacks a coordinated and funded approach to early childhood nutrition.

We are calling for an Early Childhood Nutrition Hub in the 2026–27 ACT Budget to support families and early childhood education and care services with evidence-based nutrition programs.

Thanks HerCanberra for helping us raise awareness of the need for coordinated nutrition support at a critical time in childrens lives. Read the article here:
https://hercanberra.com.au/active/when-feeding-young-children-feels-harder-than-it-should/


ACT Government, ACT Government Health and Community Services Nutrition Australia, Dietitians Australia

For many Canberra parents, feeding a baby or toddler can be one of the most unexpected sources of stress in early parenthood.

16/02/2026

Last week, our CEO, Leanne Elliston, showcased the incredible outcomes of our, ACT Government Healthy Canberra Grant funded, Feeding Healthy Futures program at Dietitians Australia Nutrition and Dietetics Research Summit in Melbourne.
A terrific opportunity to share the great work we are achieving in the ACT.

Now that the grant funding has finished, we are seeking continuation of this impactful program as part of our 2026/27 ACT Budget Submission.



ACT Government Health and Community Services
Nutrition Australia

16/02/2026

Great to be part of this terrific campaign and see the momentum build over the years. Useful and practical resources can be accessed all year round. www.lunchboxweek.org

10/02/2026

Yesterday, our CEO Leanne Elliston, spoke with ABC Canberra Radio about why investing in early years nutrition is so important for children and families.

The latest Australian Early Development Census results are concerning. They show that the ACT ranks second-lowest nationally for children’s physical health and wellbeing, with 31.2% of children identified as developmentally vulnerable or at risk, compared with 21.8% nationally.

In our 2026-27 ACT Budget Submission, we’re calling for an ACT Government funded Early Childhood Nutrition Hub to support families and Early Childhood Education and Care services with coordinated, evidence-based nutrition programs that support children’s health and development from the start.

🎧 Listen to the ABC Radio Canberra interview here: https://actnss.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/9.2.26-driveabclisten.mp3



Nutrition Australia
Dietitians Australia
Early Childhood Australia

09/02/2026

It's National Lunchbox Week!

This week is all about supporting enjoyable and nourishing lunchboxes for all!

From the staple sandwich to creative food combos, every lunchbox is different. 🥪🍱

supports families, schools, early childhood settings, and communities through practical tips and ideas to suit all families.

Visit our website for all of your go-to lunchbox tips, recipes and and more: https://www.lunchboxweek.org

06/02/2026

31/01/2026

Nothing like starting the year with school holiday cooking! 🌮🥟🍝

We’ve just wrapped up three weeks of food fun, curiosity, cooking, tasting and some pretty incredible skill-building along the way.

So rewarding to see kids growing in confidence, trying new foods and enjoying positive experiences in the kitchen 💛

17/01/2026

We love this piece on school meals in Japan.

16/01/2026

📣 We're excited to help share this free public lecture from the Canberra Mothercraft Society!
Join Dr Phillip Baker, a leading expert on ultra‑processed foods (UPFs) and early childhood nutrition, as he unpacks how products like sweetened purees, pouches, toddler snacks and ready‑to‑eat baby foods are becoming more common in young children’s diets— and what that means for their health.
He’ll also talk about the marketing and industry pressures shaping what ends up on our kids’ plates, and the changes needed to support healthier, more affordable options for families.

When: Wednesday 4 February at 6:00pm.
Where: National Film and Sound Archive

Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-mary-kirk-fellowship-lecture-the-ultra-processing-of-infant-and-young-child-diets-in-australia-trends-commercial-determinants-and-policy-options-by-dr-phillip-baker

Ultra processed foods are increasingly shaping early nutrition, displacing breastfeeding and home-prepared complementary foods and undermining healthy diets.

07/01/2026

Australia can learn from other countries to introduce a universal free school lunch program that benefits children, families, local farmers and the planet.

Read more: https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-a-school-lunch-program-like-many-other-high-income-countries-270279

03/12/2025

Great to reconnect with our ACT canteens at yesterday’s Canteen Connect gathering and reflect on insights from our first full year of canteen reviews since 2021.

In line with the ACT Public School Food and Drink Policy, we visited all 69 operating canteens across the ACT representing 73% of all public schools with a canteen.

After a four-year gap without funded support or formal menu reviews, we’ve seen an increase in RED classified items (mostly processed meats and baked goods). We found 49% of all menu items were rated GREEN, with favourites like fresh fruit cups, pikelets and canteen-made bolognese leading the way.

These findings highlight just how valuable on-site visits are. They help us understand what’s really happening beyond the online menu and allow us to tailor support for canteen operators.

We’re excited to keep working with ACT Government and continue supporting school canteens into 2026 and beyond! 🍎🤝



ACT Parents
ACT Public Schools
Federation of Canteens in Schools - FOCIS
Nutrition Australia