canteen logistics and food storage a lack of volunteer support. These barriers for healthy school canteens are described in more detail below. Policy Complexity and inflexibility of canteen menu guidelines: The complexity of the NSW Canteen Menu Planning Guide can be a barrier to implementation, with some canteen managers reporting that the guidelines are confusing and contradictory. The classification of complex meals that include numerous ingredients is reported to be especially problematic. The perceived inflexibility of the canteen guidelines can make it difficult for some schools to meet cultural and religious requirements. students’ Lack of support to effectively implement and maintain the Strategy: Studies suggest that resources and external support (including technical assistance and assistance with interpreting the guidelines) are key to the successful implementation and maintenance of a healthy school canteen,. Lack of such support is associated with lower compliance. Self-monitoring for implementing the Strategy: There is evidence that schools are more likely to be compliant with the Strategy when there is a consistent and coordinated approach to monitoring and a high level of accountability,. The research suggests that a key reason for low levels of uptake is the lack of enforcement in relation to implementation of the Strategy. Confusion regarding requirements relating to implementing the Although the Strategy is a requirement for government schools, Strategy: the may suggest a recommendation rather than a term ‘guidelines’ mandate and may contribute to low levels of implementation of the Strategy in some schools. The Strategy is encouraged but not mandatory for Catholic and Independent schools. However, there is a degree of uncertainty about the extent to which the Strategy is applicable to Catholic and Independent schools. Environmental influences Influence of students and the school community: The perceived demand from students for unhealthy food can act as a barrier to implementing a healthy canteen,. A study in NSW secondary schools found unwillingness to try new things and eat healthy food could result students’ in healthy food either not being purchased or going to waste. Likewise, the 2005 evaluation of the Strategy found lack of demand for healthy foods to be a significant barrier to implementing a healthy canteen; 23 per cent of
canteen logistics and food storage a lack of volunteer support. These barriers for healthy school canteens are described in more detail below. Policy Complexity and inflexibility of canteen menu guidelines: The complexity of the NSW Canteen Menu Planning Guide can be a barrier to implementation, with some canteen managers reporting that the guidelines are confusing and contradictory. The classification of complex meals that include numerous ingredients is reported to be especially problematic. The perceived inflexibility of the canteen guidelines can make it difficult for some schools to meet students’ cultural and religious requirements. Lack of support to effectively implement and maintain the Strategy: Studies suggest that resources and external support (including technical assistance and assistance with interpreting the guidelines) are key to the successful implementation and maintenance of a healthy school canteen,. Lack of such support is associated with lower compliance. Self-monitoring for implementing the Strategy: There is evidence that schools are more likely to be compliant with the Strategy when there is a consistent and coordinated approach to monitoring and a high level of accountability,. The research suggests that a key reason for low levels of uptake is the lack of enforcement in relation to implementation of the Strategy. Confusion regarding requirements relating to implementing the Strategy: Although the Strategy is a requirement for government schools, the term ‘guidelines’ may suggest a recommendation rather than a mandate and may contribute to low levels of implementation of the Strategy in some schools. The Strategy is encouraged but not mandatory for Catholic and Independent schools. However, there is a degree of uncertainty about the extent to which the Strategy is applicable to Catholic and Independent schools. Environmental influences Influence of students and the school community: The perceived demand from students for unhealthy food can act as a barrier to implementing a healthy canteen,. A study in NSW secondary schools found students’ unwillingness to try new things and eat healthy food could result in healthy food either not being purchased or going to waste. Likewise, the 2005 evaluation of the Strategy found lack of demand for healthy foods to be a significant barrier to implementing a healthy canteen; 23 per cent of
Healthy-School-Canteens-Evidence-Document.docx