THE ACT government is launching a pilot free-meals program across five Canberra public schools providing students with breakfast and lunch three days a week.

The almost $1.5 million Meals in Schools pilot will be offered in Gilmore Primary School, Richardson Primary School, Narrabundah Early Childhood School, Gold Creek School (high school campus) and Melba Copland Secondary School senior campus (years 10-12).

The government says the pilot will be delivered in collaboration with school communities, including Parents & Citizens Associations. Teachers, students, parents and carers will have the opportunity to help design delivery of the pilot to ensure it meets the needs of their school community.

The pilot will begin in term 3 this year, with the pilot running for 18 months.

An independent evaluation process will track student uptake, the impact of free school meals on student satisfaction and the effectiveness of food delivery.