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 The Star Canteen Accreditation Program (StarCAP) which has been offered to schools in WA since 1999 has been modified to complement the new Department of Education's Healthy Food and Drinks Policy. It will now be known as StarCAP2.
StarCAP2 training schedule
There are approximately 1100 schools in Western Australia, of which approximately 700 operate school canteens.
The Star Canteen Accreditation Program (StarCAP) was launched to schools in July 1999 following a pilot of both the program and the training course with primary and secondary schools representing all education systems, based in country and metropolitan areas. WASCA acknowledges the support of the following schools and their canteen staff who participated in the pilot phase:
Beckenham Primary School, Bindoon Primary School, Carnarvon Primary School, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (Mirrabooka), Hillarys Primary School (formerly Lymburner Primary School), Kalamunda Primary School, Mt. Lawley Senior High School, Northam Senior High School, Pinjarra Senior High School, Santa Clara Catholic Primary School, St. Joseph's College, Albany (secondary campus).s
In 2006 approximately 700 persons from over 400 schools had attended training and approximately 150 schools had committed to the program.
The program has now been modified to be consistent with the Government Healthy Food and Drinks Policy and is known as StarCAP2. To June 30, 2009, 42 schools have committed to the program, the first 9 of which were awarded at the Canteen Conference held in July 2009.
The following schools achieved StarCAP2 accreditation:
Five Stars
South Ballajura Primary School - 98% Green sales
Four Stars:
Baldivis Primary School - 84% Green sales
Buingaree Primary School (Rockingham) - 80% Green sales
Dudley Park Primary School,(Mandurah) - 95% Green sales
Gibbs Street Primary School (East Cannington) - 88% Green sales
Hannan's Primary School (Kalgoorlie) - 86% Green sales
Rawlinson Primary School (Marangaroo) - 88% Green sales
St Andrew's Grammar (Noranda) K-Yr 12 school - 94% Green sales
Three Stars:
Central Midlands Senior High School (Moora) - 70% Green sales
What is the Star Canteen Accreditation
Program?
 Prior to the introduction of the mandatory Healthy Food and Drinks Policy in Government schools, the original StarCAP was introduced as a voluntary program which awarded schools operating healthy canteens by using a star rating basis of three, four or five stars, similar to the rating standard used in other areas of hospitality and tourism.
It recognised and rewarded those schools operating healthy, profitable canteens and also provided incentive for others to work towards star status.
StarCAP was an intiative of the WA School Canteen Association (Inc) in partnership with the Heart Foundation of Australia (WA division) and the Department of Health and was originally funded by Healthway. Funding was also received from the Commonwealth Department of Health & Ageing to allow the program to be accessed by remote regional areas. StarCAP2 continues to be supported by the Heart Foundation (WA division) and the Department of Health. It is administered by WASCA Inc.
The program has had the support of all education systems, the WA branch of the Health Promoting Schools Association and Parent Body Associations.
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Aim of StarCAP2
To increase the availability, promotion and SALES of foods and drinks categorised 'GREEN' under the Government Healthy Food and Drink Policy which is consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, in schools in Western Australia.
GREEN SALES PERCENTAGES:
3 Stars - 60% or more of all sales are 'GREEN'
4 Stars - 80% or more of all sales are 'GREEN'
5 Stars - 95% or more of all sales are 'GREEN'
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Who is eligible to participate
in StarCAP2?
All Western Australian primary and secondary schools of all education systems are invited to participate in StarCAP2. There is no cost to participate, however the school must be a financial member of WASCA.
Schools of all education systems must meet the Department of Education's Healthy Food and Drink Policy irrespective of whether they have previously achieved accreditation. Meeting these standards is a pre-requisite for participation in the program.
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How does it work?
Accredited school canteens are required to meet defined criteria in four key areas.
- Canteen policy
- School community involvement
- Canteen menu
- Hygiene and food safety
 The schools accredited will demonstrate that the majority of sales are from 'GREEN' Participants are also required to demonstrate good food handling practices, implement a canteen policy and marketing and promotional strategies that link the canteen and school curriculum as part of a health promoting school.
There are three levels of accreditation - three star, four star, and five star. Each level builds on the previous one and requires achievement of higher standards in each of the four key areas.
The required data is collected over four consecutive school terms, followed by self- assessment and application for accreditation. The process is designed to be an ongoing one. There are two entry points to the program - Term 1 or Term 3. It is current for one year from the date of accreditation. Schools are encouraged to recommit and to aim for the next level of accreditation. It is essential to complete the StarCAP2 training program prior to commitment.
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How is StarCAP2 different to StarCAP?
There is less paperwork involved - only one Menu Assessment Tool! Training is a key component. The StarCAP2 training course (3 hours) has been developed to assist schools meet the standards. Successful completion of the training course is a pre-requisite to participation in StarCAP2 irrespective of any other training which may have been undertaken by the canteen manager. As for StarCAP,it is designed for self-assessment and therefore has State-wide application. It does not require a dietitian/nutritionist to work one-on-one with the school. The training undertaken prior to commitment to StarCAP2, empowers canteen staff and support persons to gradually improve their menus and canteen practices. It is based on best management practice and current legislative requirements. The menu component is based on sales evidence of 'GREEN' food and drinks rather than simply the percentage of 'GREEN' choices available. It taps into existing resources, e.g. the Star Choice Canteen Buyer's Guide and Canteen Cuisine.
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Why should schools participate
in the program?
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You will reassure parents and attract new customers by demonstrating that your canteen is a model of best practice in all areas of food service.
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The records required for StarCAP2 are those that should be kept by all food businesses, including school canteens. They provide a system to internally audit the canteen's sales and purchases and to assess purchasing trends.
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Your canteen management team deserves recognition and reward for demonstrating and maintaining high standards.
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What are the rewards?
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Your school will receive a framed certificate of Award.
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Public recognition of the school's achievement and that of the canteen manager and other groups within the school that have supported the program. Media releases are sent to local newspapers.
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Your canteen will receive a voucher to redeem for the Star ChoiceT registered product or service of your choice to the value of -Three Star $150, Four Star $250, Five Star $450. These are achievable every 12 months provided the percentage of 'GREEN' sales improve.
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Where to register your interest
in StarCAP2
Contact the WA School Canteen Association Inc.,
PO Box 25, Hillarys WA 6923
Telephone 08 9264 4999
Fax: 08 9264 4981
Email: wasca@education.wa.edu.au
Click to download a 
StarCAP
training registration of interest form.
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