A WA parliamentary question seeks clarification on the Department of Education's policy regarding ham and cheese sandwiches in school canteens. The response confirms schools have autonomy over canteen food choices, with departmental guidelines serving as recommendations.

AnsweredQoN 1928Legislative Council
Asked
29 February 2024
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to Legislative Council question without notice 24, in relation to changes to the Department of Education's student health policy, and I ask: (a) if a school canteen currently does not sell a ham and cheese sandwich, can it in the future; (b) if a school canteen currently sells a ham and cheese sandwich, can it continue to do so; (c) if yes to (b), what restrictions would be applied to such a sale; (d) if a school canteen currently sells a ham and cheese sandwich but removes it from sale over winter months, can it be returned to the menu in summer; and (e) I note your response to question without notice 24 which states, 'No foods, including ham, have been banned from school canteens'. Does this then allow school canteen operators to make their own food choices, with no regard to departmental policies?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
16 April 2024
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Education
Response time
7 days
a)      Yes.
b)      Yes.
c)      No restrictions. Guidance provided to schools states that amber items should only be offered 2 days a week, but ultimately this is a decision for the school and its community.
d)      Yes.
e)      Yes, but it is recommended that schools should refer to departmental guidelines to inform food offerings in canteens.

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