Policy
This policy directs schools to information about the requirements for school canteens. This page links schools to information about:
- financial management requirements
- healthy eating
- safe food handling practices
Overview
When establishing and managing a canteen, schools must comply with:
- Finance Manual — Section 12 Trading Operations, which sets out requirements for trading operations
- Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services Policy
- Food Handling in Canteens Policy
If schools outsource the canteen services to a third party provider, schools must enter into a, appropriate agreement:
- If the provider will use an area of the school to operate a canteen, use the School Council Canteen Licence.
- If the school engages an external provider to deliver orders, use the School Council Agreement for the Appointment of a Canteen Provider – Off Premises.
Each template agreement is available in the Resources tab.
Schools may contact Schools Procurement to determine the appropriate agreement.
Schools Procurement can be contacted on:
Email: schools.procurement@education.vic.gov.au
Legal Division can be contacted on:
Phone: 03 9637 3146
Email: legal.services@education.vic.gov.au.
Schools must also have regard for the tax treatment of payments received and comply with the Finance Manual — section 15 Taxation.
Related policies or advice
- Canteens, Healthy Eating and Other Food Services
- Community Use of Schools — Hiring, Licensing and Community Joint Use Agreements
- Finance Manual — section 12 Trading Operations
- Finance Manual — section 15 Taxation
- Food Handling in Canteens
Contact
For queries regarding financial management requirements
Schools Financial Management Support Unit
Email: schools.finance.support@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: Manager 03 7022 2222
For queries regarding healthy eating and food handling
Health Promotion, Prevention and Advice
Reviewed 25 September 2025