School canteens and other school food services are important educational resources. They have a central role in the provision of food to students and the school community as well as being an integral part of the school environment. Such a venture not only promotes the well-being of students but also contributes to environmental conservation.
The Role of School Canteens in Education
The school canteen should reflect the educational goals of the school and support and complement student learning. When consumed daily, the food provided through the school canteen may comprise a third of a student’s total daily intake and have a significant influence on their health and nutrition. It is important that parents, teachers, and students work together to support a whole-school approach to building a school culture in which students actively choose nutritious foods and a healthy lifestyle.
Integrating Health Education Through School Canteens
School canteens are an integral part of any school’s overall education and nutrition program. They can be an avenue for consistent and continual health education that complements the diverse elements of the school curriculum and most importantly can involve students, parents, and the wider school community.
Key Considerations for a Successful School Canteen Program
Crucial elements that should be considered when planning the viability of any school canteen program include:
- Needs and backgrounds of the students, understanding your target audience’s preferences including dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, and allergen-free options.
- Season and temperature, prioritising fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients where possible.
- The school’s food preparation, storage facilities, and the size of the school.
- The number of people involved in the school food service.
Best Practices for Sustainable School Canteens
Now that you’ve considered elements particular to a school foodservice business, other elements that should be considered in any business include:
- Training your kitchen staff on safe food handling and preparation methods.
- Emphasizing portion control to minimize food waste. Consider waste reduction practices, such as composting or recycling as part of school programs that get the whole community involved. This will foster a sense of shared responsibility for health and sustainability.
- Encouraging creativity in cooking methods to make healthy food exciting.
- Implementing educational programmes that inform students about the importance of a balanced diet and sustainable food choices.
- Promoting awareness of where food comes from and how it affects the environment.
- Aiming to reduce food waste by ordering and preparing ingredients efficiently.
- Considering eco-friendly packaging and avoiding the use of single-use plastics.
The Long-Term Impact of Sustainable School Canteens
Remember that achieving a healthy and sustainable school canteen foodservice business takes time and effort, but it can have a positive impact on the well-being of students and the environment. Over time, it can become a valuable resource for the school and the broader community.
Have a look at my school yard sandwich sub recipe this month with BBQ Meatball Sub with tangy coleslaw for a popular and easy-to-prepare dish that can be scaled up to meet any lunchtime rush.
