Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering
How do we order?
HLC offers an easy to use web-based lunch ordering system. Parents specify the week they are ordering and select their lunch choices by the day.
When do we order?
HLC publishes its monthly menu one month in advance. All lunches for a given week must be ordered by Monday night seven days in advance of the lunch week. For example, orders for the week beginning April 21, 2008 must be placed by Monday, April 14 midnight.
Am I required to order lunch 5 days a week to participate?
No, parents have the flexibility to order as many lunches as they want.
What if my school does not participate yet?
HLC is very interested in providing lunches to children at any of the Gold Coast schools. The only criteria is that a minimum of twenty children have to be registered from one school to be eligible for the lunch deliveries. Please contact us if parents at your school might be interested in participating.
Menus
What is on your lunch menu?
HLC offers a broad range of daily lunch options. Each monthly menu includes a different main meal each day therefore meals are prepared fresh daily. (Some ingredients may be prepared a day earlier eg. Rice to be used in fried rice or sushi is cooked the day before). Choices include meals such as sushi rolls, ceasar salads, noodles, wraps, fried rice, stir fries as well as sandwiches. Also included will be a side dish which could be from a healthy snack bar to a hard boiled egg as well as a piece of seasonal fruit – banana, apple, pear, orange wedges, water melon etc.
How do you determine what's on your menu?
HLC determines its monthly menu using a host of resources which include: innovation, nutritional research, feedback from participating parents, parent input through market surveys and taste testing parties. HLC is very open to new food ideas and welcomes your comments.
Do we serve vegetarian lunches?
Each HLC features many vegetarian options.
Will drinks be included in the lunches?
Healthy drinks are offered at an additional fee as part of each HLC menu. Drinks include plain or flavoured milks, fruit juices and water.
Do you serve 'hot' lunches?
Currently HLC lunches are served cold or room temperature depending on the lunch selected. HLC is evaluating ‘hot’ lunch menu items for the future.
Cost
How much does it cost?
All lunches are $5.95 (subject to change depending on market conditions). Drinks are available at an additional cost.
How do we pay for it?
Payment for orders are processed using the Paypal system, and accepts Visa & Mastercards, or even using a Paypal account, should you have one.
Food Preparation
Where do you prepare HLC lunches?
HLC prepares its lunches at its own commercial kitchen located here on the Gold Coast.
What food safety precautions are taken?
All lunches are packed fresh each morning reducing the risk of perishability. With the main menu item featuring only once every month, these meals cannot be stored. The meals are prepared fresh in the quantities as pre-ordered.
Packaging and delivery
Is your packaging environmentally safe?
HLC has taken great strides to package lunches in environmentally safe materials. Almost all of the packaging is biodegradable and can be placed in school recyclable bins.
How does my child get their lunch?
HLC delivers lunches directly to your school between 10:00am and noon each morning. We work with each participating school to ensure that lunches are delivered to a safe and efficient location from which your child can access their lunch. Each lunch bag will display your child's name for easy identification.