Sample menus: NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy

Below are five example menus for five different types of canteens, which demonstrate how you can create a menu that meets the criteria of the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy for your school.

Please note: These example menus are designed to provide an example of what your menu could contain – every school is different and in some instances some items or sections may not be applicable to your school’s situation.

Schools are not limited to take ideas from only their canteen type – any canteen could use or adjust any of the following menus and apply it to their canteen.

Secondary School Commercial Kitchen

Example Menu

Menu Template

Notes, Equipment Needed and Tips

Secondary School High-proportion Packaged Items

Example Menu

Menu Template

Notes, Equipment Needed and Tips

This sixth example provides information on how to label menus for students with special diets and/or religious needs, such as gluten-free, lactose-free and Kosher or Halal foods. BONUS menu balancing and factsheet included.

Special Diet & Religious Foods On The Menu

Example Menu and Allergen Factsheet

*Please note that the PDF documents are best viewed and edited using Adobe reader

*Please be aware of the different portion limits for primary and secondary schools when downloading menu templates.

What is the menu template?

The idea of the above menu template is that it can be downloaded and used as it is, or you can choose to use most of the template, changing only certain menu items based on the preferences and needs of your canteen. The green items represent Everyday products and therefore should be replaced with Everyday alternatives. The grey items represent Occasional products and therefore should be replaced with Occasional alternatives. For example, in the above menu template you may choose to keep most items as is, but replace the blueberry muffin with another Occasional snack, such as bliss balls.

How to use the menu template:

  1. Download the editable menu template you desire and save to your desktop
  2. Open the PDF file in Adobe Reader
  3. To edit text, click on one of the fillable text boxes
  4. Once changes have been made, save the file before closing the document.

Helpful links and information