AS children in the New South Wales Western Division prepare for a return to school next week, the Federation of Canteens in Schools will host a national roundtable later this month to discuss the critical future of school canteens across Australia.

With school canteens playing an essential role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing, and sense of community, the sector faces growing challenges due to unsustainable volunteer models, funding gaps, and a lack of national co-ordination.

Leanne Elliston, FOCIS chairperson and CEO of Nutrition Australia ACT, emphasised the importance of the February 25 national roundtable – bringing together key stakeholders – in shaping the future of school canteens.

“This will be a crucial opportunity to hear from voices across the country, highlighting the key role of school canteens, and work towards long-term structural change,” Ms Elliston said.

“We need to ensure that school canteens, that provide access to fairly priced and nourishing food, are valued and embedded within the broader education system, with secure funding, employment opportunities, and sustainable infrastructure.”

The Roundtable will focus on three core policy priorities:

Defining Responsibility: Advocating for Federal and State Governments to take responsibility for school canteens as an essential service for families across the country;

Sustainable Resourcing: Calling for investment in existing canteens, which may include subsidised wages, training, and infrastructure, rather than replacing or removing these vital services; and

National Collaboration and Research: Exploring ways to establish a national standard for school canteens and securing bipartisan support for long-term policy commitment.

Attendees will participate in discussions on the biggest challenges facing school canteens and the support needed to ensure their long-term success. Interactive sessions will gather insights to help shape a national advocacy campaign following the Roundtable.

FOCIS will lead the representation of canteen sector stakeholders, volunteers, health professionals, and industry and community partners in contributing to a National Consensus Statement with recommendations that will shape a National Advocacy Strategy and formal policy statement aimed at securing government and philanthropic support.

Meanwhile, motorists are reminded school speed zones will be back in force when schooling resumes. Transport for NSW executive director Transport Safety, Chadi Chalhoub, said it is important motorists are aware school zones will be in place.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable road-users and can be unpredictable on the road, so please look out for them when they are crossing, waiting to cross or as they get on or off buses or in and out of vehicles,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“Speeding, even just a couple of kilometres over the limit, could be the difference between being able to stop in time or not at all and in a school zone, this could mean hurting a child.

“I urge parents, guardians and all drivers to be patient and slow down around schools to ensure children remain safe on their journeys to and from school,” he said.

Media Release