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Complimentary Meals Policy

Providing complimentary meals for volunteers and staff is a generous and appreciated gesture in many school tuckshops. However, without clear guidelines in place, these arrangements can quickly lead to confusion, inconsistency, or unintended financial strain. A Complimentary Meals Policy helps school tuckshops set clear, fair and transparent expectations around when and how food can be provided at no cost. It outlines who is eligible, what can be offered, how it is recorded, and who is responsible for authorisation, ensuring the

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The tuckshop volunteer dilemma

When willing hands don’t meet school needs: The tuckshop volunteer dilemma While many schools struggle to find help, some schools are fortunate to have a large pool of volunteers eager to give their time and skills. Parents, community members, and grandparents often step forward, motivated by a desire to support children and contribute to school life. However, having volunteers does not always mean that every essential role is easily filled. One of the most common challenges schools face is finding

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Pantry Pasta Salad

This recipe has been designed so that you can still provide a pasta menu options if you have issues with the delivery of fresh ingredients as all the ingredients are shelf stable.

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Pest Control in School Tuckshops

Effective pest control is essential to protect food safety, prevent contamination, and maintain a clean and hygienic tuckshop environment. Pests such as rodents, cockroaches, ants and flies can carry harmful bacteria and pose a risk to students, staff and volunteers. Preventing Pests Prevention is the most effective way to manage pests in a school tuckshop. Simple day-to-day practices can greatly reduce the risk: Keep all food stored in sealed, pest-proof containers and off the floor Clean food preparation areas, benches and floors daily Promptly clean up spills and crumbs Empty

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Running a School Tuckshop in Rural and Remote Communities

School tuckshops in rural and remote areas play a vital role in supporting student health, wellbeing and school connectedness. While these tuckshops often face unique challenges, they also benefit from strong community ties and creative problem solving. This resource has been developed to support tuckshop convenors, staff and volunteers working in rural and remote Queensland schools.

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Food Safety Plan

A Food Safety Plan outlines the systems and practices in place to ensure food prepared and sold through the school tuckshop is safe for students, staff and the wider school community. It provides a structured approach to identifying food safety risks and the controls used to manage them, in line with Queensland food safety requirements and best-practice guidelines for school tuckshops. The plan covers key areas of tuckshop operations, including food handling, storage, preparation, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, temperature control

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Boosting dairy and dairy alternatives in the tuckshop

Boosting dairy and dairy alternatives in the tuckshop The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that children enjoy dairy foods every day — including milk, yoghurt, cheese or suitable alternatives. These foods are collectively known as dairy and play an important role in supporting children’s health and development. Dairy foods are excellent sources of calcium, helping to build strong, healthy bones and teeth. They also provide a range of other essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet, including: Protein – vital for

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Statpack

Statpack love helping their customers find the perfect packaging for their products. With a dynamic, innovative range of eco-friendly and compostable packaging, as well as more traditional options, they will find a fit! Containers, Cups, Cutlery, Chemicals and more can be found on their website and with easy online ordering, account options and helpful staff on the phone or in-store, they are sure to meet the needs of any tuckshop.

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One Less Thing To Pack: Why School Tuckshops Matter For Queensland Families

As families across Queensland prepare for the 2026 school year, the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST) is reminding parents and carers that the school tuckshop can be a simple way to take pressure off busy mornings. With almost 900,000 students returning to classrooms, school tuckshops are helping families by providing healthy, affordable meal options that support children’s energy, concentration and overall wellbeing during the school day. QAST Executive Officer, Keryn O’Neill, said modern tuckshops are designed with families in

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Tuckshop Equipment Register

A tuckshop equipment register is a practical tool for keeping track of all equipment, supporting food safety, budgeting, and day-to-day operations. A clear, well-maintained register should include the following sections: Equipment identification Equipment name/description (e.g. chest freezer, sandwich press) Category/type (refrigeration, cooking, preparation, cleaning, small appliances) You can also include the Asset or ID number (if your school uses one), the brand and model, as well as the serial number. Owner Who owns and is responsible for the piece of

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