Western Australian School Canteens Association Inc.

The school canteen is an integral part of the learning environment, and as such should operate in a manner that supports the health messages of curriculum. Schools are encouraged to develop policy guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of the school canteen and to set clear policy regarding the types of food and drinks that will be sold. The policy should reflect the Department of Education & Training's Healthy Food and Drink Policy. . Development of policy allows all members of the school community to have input and develops a sense of 'ownership' of the canteen with all sectors of the school.

Not all schools in WA operate canteens. Some use outside providers such as delicatessens, service stations or catering companies to provide a food service to their school. It is recommended these schools also have a clear policy for the food and drink offered by outside service providers as it is equally important that all students have access to healthy choices and food that has been prepared in a hygienic manner. Outside service providers of food and drinks to students of Government schools must meet the Healthy Food and Drink Policy set by the Government.

When planning a menu for the canteen, there are many factors that should be taken into consideration, including the size of the school, number of lunches prepared, the number of people who work in the canteen and their level of expertise in preparing food, and the equipment available. However, the first step should be to check that the menu is consistent with the nutritional guidelines of the canteen policy document. If a Government or Catholic school, the menu must comply with the appropriate mandated policies.

The menu should be planned to reflect the

Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. The majority of choices available should be based on the core food groups and be predominantly those classified as “Green”, which may be supplemented by convenience products which may be classified as either ‘Green or Amber’. No items classified as ‘Red’ may be sold. The use of Star Choice™ Registered Products assists schools to select nutritionally preferable versions of favourite convenience products, such as pastries, hamburger patties, frankfurters, biscuits and cakes. The nutrient criteria for registration, ensures that these are approximately half the fat, sodium (salt) and sugar of their regular counterparts. However, although these products may represent a better nutritional choice than the full fat, sodium or sugar versions of similar foods, they should not be included on the menu to the exclusion of foods recommended for consumption by children and adolescents every day. The Department of Education & Training's Healthy Food and Drink Policy reflects this.

For more detailed assistance and food ideas for your school, please refer to Canteen Cuisine. Click here to

download an order form.

The Department of Education's Healthy Food and Drink Policy promotes food drinks and snacks being available in schools that support the consumption of a diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Childhood and adolescence are important periods of growth and development and for these to occur optimally, adequate energy and nutrients must be eaten.

When planning school menus, emphasis should be given to the following foods that contribute significantly to meeting students' nutritional needs:

The following table provides a guide to help schools and their canteen or food service comply with the Department of Education's Healthy Food and Drink Policy.

Food and drinks in the first column are those classified 'GREEN' in the 'traffic light' system and are recommended for everyday consumption. The majority of what is offered on a canteen or food service menu should be from the 'GREEN' section and these should be promoted as the healthiest choices. A MINIMUM of 60% of all foods, drinks and snacks offered by the canteen must come from 'GREEN' choices.

Food and drinks in the 'AMBER' category in the 'traffic light' system are not recommended as 'every day' choices and their availability to students should be limited. NOT MORE THAN 40% of foods, drinks and snacks offered can be 'AMBER' products.

Star Choice™ Registered Products assist canteens to offer healthier versions of convenience pre-prepared meals, snacks and drinks.

Food and drinks in the third column are categorised as 'RED' in the 'traffic light' system and are not permitted in WA public school canteens or food services. There is ample opportunity to consume 'RED' food and drinks outside school hours at the discretion of parents and carers. 'RED' choices must be phased out during term 1, 2007 and not re-ordered.

* Or meets the criteria for registration

Nuts and savoury nut spreads do not appear in the table. Schools are advised to refer to the Department's School Health Care Policy and Anaphylaxis Advice Paper before deciding whether or not to include nuts and nut spreads on the canteen menu.

For further food ideas and recipes specific to school canteens, see the Canteen Cuisine cookbook available from WASCA.