9. Cool Canteens Accreditation Program

An initiative of the Tasmanian School Canteen Association

What is Cool CAP...... How it works.......   Benefits to schools

  Cool Canteens Accreditation Program

What is the Cool Canteens Accreditation Program?

The Cool Canteens Accreditation Program (Cool CAP) is a school canteen improvement program which offers a model of best practice for canteen management as a whole as well as recognition of a school’s dedication to the health and well being of the school community. It provides reassurance for the wider school community that the canteen aims to provide high quality and safe food service for students and staff.

Cool CAP is a self assessment program which enables schools to develop health promoting canteens which meet the guidelines of the Tasmanian School Canteen Handbook.

The program awards schools operating health promoting canteens by using three levels Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each level builds on the previous one.  

Why have the Cool CAP Program?

There is local and international evidence that major diet-related factors for chronic disease begin in childhood.

The school canteen provides children and adolescents with the opportunity to select their own meals. Depending on how many purchases they make, this could make an important contribution to their views about food and their nutrient intake. Most children have formed life-long eating habits by the time they leave secondary school.

Nutrition education programs have been shown to have greater effect on behaviour change when school canteens reflect the messages being taught in the classroom.

Of the schools that operate canteens, two thirds open five -days-a-week, with the majority of food being sold at recess and lunchtime. It is estimated 25% of students purchase food from the canteen on a daily basis and therefore food from the canteen provides a significant amount of the daily nutrition intake for these students.

How does it work?

To achieve accreditation schools need to meet standards in five areas:

• Canteen policy and management

• The canteen and the curriculum

• Foods sold in the canteen

• Marketing and promotion

• Food safety and hygiene

The school canteens accredited will demonstrate the provision of a wide variety of nutritionally preferred food choices, a well managed business under the direction of a representative canteen committee and a comprehensive policy. They are also required to implement marketing and promotional strategies which link canteen and school curriculum as part of a health promoting school.

Keep the council off your back!!

Accreditation also offers canteens the opportunity to work with Local Council Environmental Health Officers to meet the requirements of the National Food Safety Standards. School canteens are now classified as food premises and as such need to be registered with local councils. Staff, need to have skills and knowledge in food safety and hygiene and canteen premises needs to meet standards in fit out.  

What is the process to achieve Cool CAP?

• Register interest

• Attend an introductory workshop

• Commence self–assessment using Cool CAP Kit

• Meet essential criteria

• Apply for accreditation

Aim of Cool CAP

To increase the availability and promotion of healthy food choices prepared in a safe and hygienic environment in Tasmanian school canteens.

 Who is eligible to participate in Cool CAP?

All Tasmanian primary secondary and college canteens of all education systems.  

What are the rewards?

• Framed certificate of Award

• Public recognition of canteen and school’s achievement

• Cheque for the canteen:

             $100    Bronze

              $150    Silver

              $200    Gold

• Canteen menu board and aprons  

More information?

We acknowledge the WASCA accreditation program Star CAP and the NSWSCA Accreditation Program