Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services

Guiding principles for food selection

The following principles should inform the selection of foods sold in school food services:

• a range of foods are included from each of the five food groups outlined in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
• fresh food is provided rather than processed
• a range of portion sizes are offered that cater for varying energy use and developmental requirements
• foods offered reflect the multicultural diversity of the school community

A healthy food service:

• makes it easy for students to choose healthy snacks and meals
• offers a variety of nutritious foods
• promotes foods that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia
• can be an avenue for consistent and continual health education
• complements the diverse elements of the school curriculum
• involves students, parents and the wider school community
• is an integral part of the entire healthy school environment

Students are encouraged to:

• enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
• eat plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits, breads, cereals, rice, pasta and noodles
• include lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives
• include milk, yoghurt, cheese
• choose water as a drink
• limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake
• choose foods low in salt
• consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars