YOUR CANTEEN TRANSFORMATION

Our tried and tested programs, developed during a pilot of 6 primary schools, provide training, adaptable resources and ongoing support to help your school canteen become a better version of itself.

We help you cook fresh food from scratch and introduce healthier, delicious and affordable menus that kids and communities love.

Our programs

          We know every school is different so we offer 3 packages to choose from:

The Canteen
Transformation
DIY

BESPOKE TRAINING PACKAGES

THE BASIC BATCH
VIDEO RECIPE PACK

The CANTEEN TRANSFORMATION -DIY

Our most comprehensive pack: it was created to help you navigate the transformation journey, or new canteen setup, from start to finish in a self-paced and empowering way. It covers everything from self-assessment, community engagement, batch cooking and achieving your margins. 

What is included?

• 8 extensive learning modules with printable workbooks and accompanying materials such as meeting templates, online financial tools, checklists, surveys and more.

• 50+ kid-approved printable recipes – with allergy and dietary information, batch cooking advice and how-to videos.

• Printable flyers, menus, invitations and posters.

• Online support with our team.    

Download the DIY introduction PDF for more information
Contact us to BUY NOW for $350

What is in the learning modules? 

FAQs

This greatly depends on the existing infrastructure, the commitment of the canteen leader and other stakeholders as well as the resources available. In our experience, transforming the menu of an existing canteen takes approximately 6 months (two terms), once stakeholders are on board, while setting a canteen up from scratch takes longer, depending upon the infrastructure requirements, equipment purchases and fundraising to make this possible.
Unfortunately, no....there are too many variables involved (food costs, number of meals prepared, infrastructure and other community resources, etc…). However, we do include costing tools, adaptable recipes and a menu guideline which has been successful in other schools that enable you to reduce your risk.
Yes! Each recipe has been checked by a qualified nutritionist and complies with Australian Dietary Guidelines 2013.
Many of the questions that arise at first might be answered in the “What to expect” guide. However, we are always an email away and happy to answer your questions. Schools also get access to the School Food Project Community forum for canteens to share their learnings, tips, and wins. It is great to see what others are asking, too!
Yes! Our model is adaptable and can be customised to work for your community needs, student numbers, staffing, equipment and current canteen set up.
Each state, territory and local government area has different health and food safety regulations that can impact canteen operations. Council registration of your canteen as a food business is also a requirement. We offer state-specific links to relevant regulations in the first module of the pack, but please ensure you are familiar with the specific requirements in your area before you purchase it.
This model is best suited for schools that already have a functional kitchen. We do provide equipment checklists and recommendations to maximise your existing space.
As a rule of thumb, an experienced Cook or Chef or a Canteen Manager with the assistance of a volunteer for a few hours every day can prepare lunch for a school with a student population of 250, with the understanding that only a percentage of students make canteen orders. This can be supported by the assistance of teachers’ aides at service, and some schools can integrate a Student Leadership program to assist with the distribution of orders, or with simple food prep tasks. There is a lot for students learn from a school canteen!

The Basic Batch Recipe Video Pack

Food is at the centre of what we do at SFP so these recipes are very close to our heart. They have been developed and refined with love by our team of chefs and most importantly, they all pass the taste test with the children!

What is included?

• 24 recipes including mains, side dishes and sweet and savoury recess items. Think Pasta Napolitana, Picnic Boxes, Nachos, Not Nutty Chicken Satay and more!

• Login to our members area to watch 24 easy-to-follow instructional videos- one for each recipe.

• All recipes are portioned and tested.

• Recipe cards are downloadable in PDF format for easy printing.    

Download The Recipe Pack Digital Brochure
Contact us to BUY NOW for $99

Bespoke training packages

Need extra help with your canteen transformation or startup? Ask us about our personalised support, from online guidance to onsite chef training—let’s create a plan that works for you! 

Contact us NOW for a free quote

The way forward for Canteens in Australia

School canteens are powerful learning spaces. They have the potential to help kids discover the joy of good food and create healthier eating habits for life.

Canteens are valuable assets to busy families, and can ease the daily pressure by providing reliable, fresh meals to kids at school. With the right support, they can also ensure a more equitable and inclusive service.

We can reinvigorate school food culture by supporting canteen managers through training and fair wages, especially as rising food prices and volunteer shortages are forcing canteens to scale back or close.

Australia has many school food guidelines, but many canteens lack the support to put them into practice. By strengthening policies and offering food education, we can help schools serve healthier food to every child.