Labor leader Rebecca White said Tasmanian children were being left behind due to poor nutrition which not only affected their health but learning abilities.

She said government-subsidised lunches would ensure students received a healthy lunch each day.

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"We know in Tasmania a lot of children aren't eating the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables every single day," Ms White said.

"Governments need to be making genuine investment in children's health and wellbeing to ensure our kids lead happy, healthy and active lives and are able to contribute to their communities."

Labor's education spokesman Josh Willie said the $31.8 plan, to be rolled out over six years, came out against a backdrop of the state having some of the worst health and education outcomes in the country.

He said the government's Lunch In Schools trial had shown improved attendance and concentration in the classroom.

"We need to make sure children have every opportunity to engage in education and to develop healthy eating habits at an early age," Mr Willie said.

"A universal program reduces stigma around food security. Roughly 35,000 children will benefit from this program."

Premier Peter Gutwein said the government had announced on the weekend it would extend its Lunch In Schools program from six schools to 30 at a cost of $1.5 million.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said Labor could only pay for its lunch plan with an increase to school levies.

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