DEPARTMENTof EDUCATION
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Section 1. Background

The School Canteen Advisory Committee (SCAC) was established by the Department of Education to promote and support the development of healthy school canteens; to provide advice and recommendations on all aspects of the planning, establishment and operations of a school canteen. The handbook brings together all the current and up-to-date information regarding canteen policy development, canteen management, menu selection and safe food handling practices. The SCAC committee comprises representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, the Tasmanian School Canteen Association Inc., the Tasmanian State School Parents and Friends Association, non-government organisations, Catholic Education, Independent Schools and TAFE.

In supporting the promotion and provision of a nutritious and healthy food service in Tasmanian school canteens, the School Canteen Advisory Committee makes the following recommendations:

  • all school communities develop a canteen policy consistent with the guidelines outlined in the Tasmanian School Canteen Handbook
  • all school canteens provide a menu that follows the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia (NH&MRC, 2003) and sell only healthy and nutritious foods and beverages
  • school canteens provide only foods that promote good dental health
  • schools become members of the Tasmanian School Canteen Association Inc. and have their canteens accredited.
The Tasmanian School Canteen Association Inc. (TSCA) was formed in 1994 as a result of canteen workshops held in 1993. The TSCA supports school canteen committees, managers, teachers and health workers with canteen issues relating to food and menus, management and operations, food safety and industrial and employment matters. They achieve this through the Cool CAP canteen accreditation program, seminars, food expos and workshops for canteen managers and teachers.

The TSCA is jointly funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to support their work in schools. Further information is available from the Tasmanian School Canteen Association Inc. website www.tascanteenassn.org.au/ or through:

The Convenor
School Canteen Advisory Committee
Department of Education Tasmania
GPO Box 919
HOBART TAS 7001
Telephone 6233 7320		 Tasmanian School Canteen Association Inc.
Room 18, First Floor
McDougall Building
Ellerslie Road
BATTERY POINT TAS 7004
Telephone 6223 8023

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