About Us

School Food Matters began as the Tasmanian School Canteen Association in 1994. The name School Food Matters* was adopted in 2021 to better encapsulate our work within the whole school environment and not just the school canteen. We support school communities to promote and provide a school food service that is nutritious, affordable, safe and where possible, locally sourced and prepared by the school.

We are a not for profit, non-government organisation funded and supported in-kind by the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People, Department of Health, and Department of Premier and Cabinet (Communities).

Support is provided through:

assisting with the development of an efficient food service that has sound management and operations
current and effective food safety information
resources and advice on food selection and menu planning
assisting with the development of policies and practices that support a whole school approach to food and nutrition and links to the Australian curriculum.
delivering professional learning for school food service managers, teachers and the school community
assisting schools to achieve the SmartFood Award.
assisting schools to develop their School Food Plan.

*Special thanks goes to our friends at School Food Matters UK, a charity that has been flying the flag for great school food since 2007. The charity’s staff and trustees are delighted to share their name and continue the global movement for change.

Strategic Plan

The current strategic plan represents a new chapter in our organisations efforts and impact in supporting Tasmanian school communities to thrive. We aim to play a huge role in ensuring our young people have the best chance of reaching their full potential.

School Food Matters are motivated by knowing we have a role to play in:

Educating and activating schools and communities around the why and how of healthy eating.
Building the knowledge and skill base around food literacy for children and adults.
Advocating for supportive policies to make sure all children within our State have access to a nutritious meal when they are at school.
Sourcing easy access to fresh, local produce from Tassie farmers and producers.