Can you afford not to join?
QAST membership is one of the smartest investments your school can make in the success and sustainability of its tuckshop.
Whether you’re an experienced convenor or new to the role, running a profitable, compliant and well-supported tuckshop comes with ongoing challenges. Even the most seasoned operators benefit from expert advice, fresh ideas and access to the latest industry information. For those stepping into the role for the first time, having a trusted support network from day one can be invaluable.
As Queensland’s dedicated tuckshop association, QAST exists solely to support school tuckshops. Membership provides your entire school community with access to expert guidance, practical resources, professional development, networking opportunities and personalised support. These benefits deliver real-world time savings, help avoid costly mistakes, and support better business decisions.
From nutrition guidelines and menu planning to financial performance, compliance and day-to-day operations, QAST membership gives you access to a comprehensive range of services and up-to-date information designed to strengthen your tuckshop, enhance its reputation within the school community, and support its long-term profitability and success.
What's in it for my school?
With the support of QAST, your tuckshop can achieve higher profits and better financial accountability, more efficient operations, and superior food safety practices. Your tuckshop menu will improve and increase in popularity, and your tuckshop staff will be supported and heard.
Being a member of QAST is a safeguard; if you don’t have it, it may not be there when you need it. We are always at the end of the phone to help you respond to emerging issues, or connect you with the right people to help. When a problem arises, we are your go-to.
QAST is the peak body for all things tuckshops in Queensland. The role of a tuckshop convenor is extremely complex. We’re the primary source of professional development, training, and resources. We have your back, and our large membership base puts us in a strong position to influence outcomes.
QAST is a trusted source of information. We work closely with the Department of Education, P&Cs Qld and other state canteen peak bodies. Rumours and stories abound; if you want the accurate and up-to-date answer, you come to QAST. We solve complex issues around running a tuckshop, working collaboratively with everyone involved.
All employers are responsible for ensuring their staff have access to professional development and skills growth. QAST offers tailored and specialised training, and members attract a significant discount. These training opportunities are unique to QAST and are delivered by experts with years of experience in their fields.
QAST membership gives you FREE access to Menu Health Checks and our Financial Evaluation Service. Members have unlimited access to our wide range of online tuckshop resources including template policies and procedures, employment contracts and position descriptions, operations manuals and information for volunteers.
Through our social media platforms, networking opportunities, training courses, events and large member database, we can put you in touch with your peers to learn, share, celebrate and even vent when you need to. We’re also here to support and help new convenors as they find their feet.
QAST is an expert source of information about food safety and healthy nutrition for children, including catering for allergies and intolerances. We believe tuckshops are an essential service to busy families, and offering healthy food to children is the right thing to do. We offer advice beyond the Smart Choices guidelines because there is more to delivering a nutritious foodservice than just complying with a policy.
Things don’t always run smoothly in a tuckshop. As a member of an association, you can go into each day knowing you’re not alone. You’ll have insights, resources and case studies at your disposal. When you need a pick-me-up, head to the place where people know what you’re going through. If you’re a new convenor and need a helping hand, we’re you’re one-stop-shop. At QAST, we’re all in it together. Our members may have different goals and cater to different audiences, but in the end our goal is the same; run the best tuckshop you possibly can.
You can rely on us
Our friendly, knowledgeable and experienced team are always only a phone call or email away. Our job is to help our members build capacity, confidence and connections, and we’re on hand to help navigate the day-to-day of running of member tuckshops.
Got a question about your tuckshop? Chances are, QAST knows the answer. Here’s just some we get on a regular basis:
What our members say about us
Ready to join?
Ready to join the QAST community? Head over to our Membership area to sign up today!