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Report 2026
The first national assessment of public food procurement in Australia, covering every State and and territory.
Case studies, regional demonstration models and a pathway forward to better leverage the $2.1bn public spend on food. 
Where are we spending public money on food 
A breakdown of where the $2.13bn is going across National and State programs
STATE SPEND
Public hospitals
$331,820,152
TAFE
$15,227,641
Correctional facilities
$157,608,112
School lunches
$4,233,199
Venues/Event management (SA only)
$4,400,000
NATIONAL SPEND
Residential aged care
$1,074,788,792
Long day care
$331,820,152
Defence
$77,842,758
Meals on wheels
$65,045,809
Residential care (Mental health and homelessness)
$57,936,309
Antarctic bases
$3,493,498
ESTIMATED TOTAL SPEND
$2,137,315,595
THE OPPORTUNITY

This money could be supporting the health of our communities, the prosperity of regional and urban economies, and the protection of our natural environment.

Even modest changes in procurement criteria and practice can trigger disproportionately large, system-wide transformations over time.
Watch our report launch
Hear the highlights from Transforming the Public Plate and introducing GFPA.

Recorded 28 April 2026.
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