Fundraising & School Canteens

Many schools across the state rely on the profits of the school canteen to provide valued 'top up' funds to enable the school to purchase additional resources. In some schools there is the fear that profits will decline with the sale of healthier choices over traditional 'red' foods. In some instances this view drives resistance to menu change. Although every attempt should be made to ensure that the canteen runs smoothly and effectively as a small business, profitability at the expense of children's health is not and has never been sanctioned either by the Department of Education and Training (DET) or the Federation of Parents and Citizens' Associations NSW.

The Department of Education and Training states that the primary purpose of the school canteen is to provide a healthy food service to the students and teachers of the school.

As a further assistance to P&C fundraising the Federation has been an active partner with Wattle Springs in order to assist P&C associations with their fundraising efforts. Where Wattle Springs water is sold through the school canteen 5c from ever bottle sold will be donated back to the P&C association. For further details, including how to order this product, please go to http://www.wattlesprings.com

Federation stresses that the important role of the school canteen is to model the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. Federation's staff and officers are available to offer advice and support to any school P&C Association and Canteen Committee experiencing difficulties in implementing the Fresh Tastes Strategy.