How much, if anything, was paid to an external supplier to collect uneaten meals during the week of August 10th 2026?

Answer

I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that across all providers, surplus collection is included in the per meal price. The exception is one supplier, where an additional Friday pickup has been included at the request of schools and is invoiced monthly. I am advised that during the week beginning 10 August 2026, the Ministry paid $16,809.00 (excluding GST) to a supplier for additional waste collection services from the previous month.