Fresh Tastes Tool Kit - Public Schools NSW

5
INTRODUCTION cont...
A process for planning and
managing a Fresh Tastes canteen
There is more to becoming a Fresh Tastes canteen than
changing the type of foods and drinks that are sold.
Success also depends on good management and
operational skills in the canteen.The process pictured on
the opposite page shows the steps that can be taken in
planning and managing change towards a Fresh Tastes
school canteen. It is a flexible process that can be
tailored to meet the needs of each school. If the school
is currently operating a successful healthy canteen, this
process can still be used to reflect on current practice
and identify areas that can further support the
Fresh Tastes Strategy.
The steps in the process are described briefly below, and
make up the sections within the Tool Kit.
Getting ready
Before taking action it is
important to know what
the Fresh Tastes Strategy is
about and communicate
this to the whole school community. It is also
recommended that each school establishes or
consolidates a canteen committee to plan and manage
the change process. At this stage the committee may
chose to develop or review the school canteen policy.
Assessing the current situation
The next step is to form a picture of the
current canteen situation.This involves
reviewing the canteen menu as well as
looking at the management practices
of the canteen and identifying areas
that may need improvement.The
Canteen Improvement Checklist on page 19
is designed to assist the committee in this process.The
checklist clearly identifies the key elements for success in
the operation and management of a Fresh Tastes canteen.
Developing actions and alternatives
The committee can now decide on
a plan of action.The Canteen
Action Planner tool provided in
this section will prompt
discussion and provide a
template to record decisions
made by the committee.These will
relate to the areas for improvement identified in the
previous step. Important menu planning considerations
and practical tips around designing a Fresh Tastes menu
are also covered.The committee needs to identify the
best way to introduce new foods to meet the needs of
the school.
Getting on with the job
The organisation of staff, money,
food and promotions all play a
very important part in a
successful school canteen.This
section provides a range of
ideas to streamline organisation
and workflow, manage stock,
improve money management, promote healthier food
choices and attract and keep paid staff and volunteers.
Maintaining the momentum
It is always important to reflect on progress and to seek
and incorporate feedback. From here
further actions and alternatives
may need to be developed and
applied in the canteen
followed by further
evaluation. A Fresh Tastes
canteen is not static. It will be
important to maintain the momentum to continue
serving healthier choices to students.