Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- scheme / skim / (n.) – an official plan or program to assist people in some way
Example:The new recycling scheme in the city has helped reduce waste by 20%.
- youngster / ˈyʌŋ stər / (n.) – an older child or a young person
Example:The mayor organized a sports program to engage youngsters in physical activities across the city.
- premises / ˈprem ɪ sɪz / (n.) – the property and structures owned by a business, organization, etc.
Example:Smoking is not allowed on the university premises.
- genuine / ˈdʒɛn yu ɪn / (adj.) – relating to something real, true, or what it appears to be
Example:Scientists are researching a genuine solution to address climate change.
- non-profit / nɒnˈprɒf ɪt / (n.) – an organization whose goal is to serve the public interest by using its funds for social or political purposes rather than for personal financial gain
Example:He started a non-profit to provide free meals to homeless people in the community.
Article
Read the text below.
In Tasmania, a school lunch program is giving children a healthy diet and building relationships around the dining table. The number of schools taking part in the scheme is expected to double in the next two years.
At least once a week, the school provides students with a healthy meal and snack as part of Tasmania’s school lunch program. It encourages youngsters to try new food and develop healthy eating habits. “It’s really fun talking about the food and enjoying it with your friends,” says a female student.
“It’s a way of connecting with the students over a meal, like a family connection, I suppose, at home, sharing your day, what’s working well,” explains Benjamin Richardson of Rokeby Primary School.
Thirty schools were already enrolled in the program last year, but 15 will join this year and another 15 in 2026.
Springfield Gardens is one of them. “Improving the well-being of our students in the access to a good meal is always a benefit,” says Nadine Davey of Springfield Gardens Primary School.
The school had to acquire new equipment before students came back to the premises. An industrial oven and a freezer had to be added to the kitchen. The plan is for produce grown on the school grounds to be added to future menus.
“So, I saw a genuine opportunity to continue building the understanding of good foods,” says Davey.
The program’s expansion will be partly financed by the close to 15 million Australian dollars (9.5 million US dollars) the Tasmanian government will provide.
The non-profit School Food Matters hopes more money will be given so that all of the state’s schools can benefit from it.
“At the moment, we’re only working with government schools but we know that the Catholic schools are very keen to be involved and the independent schools. It is an ambitious goal,” says Julie Dunbabin of School Food Matters.
Schools cooked 190,000 lunches for more than 4,000 students last year. Healthy food will be filling even more hungry stomachs over the next few years.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- In Tasmania, some schools give free healthy lunches to students to support their well-being. However, not all schools have this program yet. Do you think schools should give free healthy lunches to all students or only to students who need them the most? Why? If you could create a lunch program for schools in your country, what types of food and drinks would you include? Discuss.
- In your opinion, should the government spend more on free lunches or educational materials like computers and books? Why? Which do you think would be more helpful to students’ overall well-being and learning? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Do you think sharing meals with others, such as your coworkers, classmates, or even friends, can help build stronger relationships? Why or why not? Would you feel closer to them if you ate with them regularly? Discuss.
- Some workplaces have cafeterias where everyone eats together, while others let people eat at their desks or outside. Which do you prefer, having lunch with others or spending your break alone? Why? Discuss.
