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Professionals Home > Healthy eating > Population groups > Children / Adolescents > Resources > Canteens Advisory Service

Canteens Advisory Service

The Canteens Advisory Service (CAS) has been funded by the Department of Health to support schools with primary school-age children to provide and promote healthy food choices. The service aims to support schools with the implementation of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s School Canteens and Other School Food Services Policy which was launched in 2006. The policy applies to ALL food service provision by the school to students including canteens, external lunch orders providers, breakfast and out of school hour care programs, especial events and fundraising activities. To view the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s School Canteens and Other School Food Services Policy visit the: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

The service also aims to increase understanding of the need for healthy canteens and food service options, and to increase commitment to providing foods that are nutritious and health promoting. The CAS is directed towards all individuals involved in Victorian primary school canteens, including canteen managers, workers, volunteers, canteen committees and food industry. It is also designed to assist schools who do not have an on-site canteen, but provide alternative forms of food service.

Services provided by the Canteens Advisory Service:
Free services provided to schools and food industry include:

Schools

A telephone and email information service
Website containing resources, information and fact sheets on practical ideas for changing to a healthier canteen, including advice on choosing healthy food products
Support in the practical implementation of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s School Canteens and Other School Food Services Policy (DEECD Canteens Policy).
Canteen menu assessments

Food Industry

A telephone and email information service
Website containing information about the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development's School Canteens and Other Food Services Policy.
E-newsletters for food industry
Product Assessments

Canteens Advisory Service Infoline: 1300 22 52 88
The CAS Info line is staffed by Nutritionists and Dietitians who have experience working with schools and the food industry, and who can provide detailed information on a range of canteen issues. The Info line is available to all Victorian primary schools and food industry for the cost of a local call (landlines only - not available to mobile phones and interstate callers).

Hours of operation:
The Infoline operates weekdays 10am - 4pm.

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Acknowledgement

This information has been sourced from The Department of Health.