It’s why the Federation of Canteens in Schools (FOCIS) is calling on Government representatives, public health advocates, nutritionists, dietitians, researchers, education staff, volunteers, and canteen/tuckshop managers to register their interest for a National Roundtable to save them.
FOCIS is hoping the roundtable will unite a wide range of diverse voices to develop sustainable, innovative strategies to ensure these essential services continue operating and thriving.
Leanne Elliston is chairperson of FOCIS and senior dietitian at Nutrition Australia and says school canteens are an integral part of the school community and provide far more than just meals.
“School canteens and tuckshops are a critical support system that offers nutritious food options to children, many of whom may not have reliable access to healthy meals at home,” she shares.
“As food insecurity rises across Australia, the role of school canteens in promoting healthy eating habits and supporting children’s overall wellbeing has never been more crucial.”
Yet, school canteens face unprecedented challenges.
The volunteer-based model that has traditionally supported them is no longer sustainable.
With rising operational costs, canteens struggle to keep prices affordable for families, even as demand from busy families grows and without immediate action and support, many school canteens will be forced to close.
“Busy families rely on school canteens more than ever, especially when time or resources are limited,” Elliston says.
“Canteens not only provide meals that save time and reduce the stress of preparing school lunches, but they also play a crucial role in teaching children about nutrition and fostering a sense of community within schools and friendship groups.”
The National Roundtable will be a collaborative platform for key decision-makers from the education, health, and government sectors to explore alternative business models, share innovative strategies, and advocate for increased support and funding.
The goal is to develop a roadmap for sustaining school canteens to continue providing vital services to students, families, and communities.
Key objectives of the roundtable include:
- Developing innovative recommendations to keep school canteens open and financially viable.
- Identifying opportunities for government support and funding to ensure canteens can continue providing healthy, affordable meals.
- Addressing the needs of canteen staff and volunteers.
- Enhancing collaboration and advocacy efforts among stakeholders, including school administrators, policymakers, health professionals, and community members.
- Promoting awareness of school canteens\’ essential role in providing nutritious food, supporting children\’s health, and strengthening school communities.
“We must come together to save our school canteens, by collaborating, we can develop the solutions needed to ensure these services remain available to support our children\’s health, education, and well-being,” Elliston says.
To register for the National Roundtable or learn more about how you can support this vital initiative, please click here
