Sample canteen menus

Published: 4 November 2019

Healthy food can help children grow and stay fuelled for their busy day.  Research shows that students who are well nourished at school are more likely to attend school, have better behaviour and better long term academic outcomes. *

The school canteen or lunch order plays a vital role in providing children with a variety of  healthier food which can be cost effective.

In general a menu should offer your customers several items that remain the same, with variety provided by specials that are for sale only at certain times or on certain days of the week. Seasonal fruit, whole or cut into appropriate sized pieces, should always be available.

Planning your menu helps to control the quality and cost of food that is served. It will also make it easier for your staff to order and buy the food needed.

Use these sample canteen menus to assist with your menu planning. 

• Sample canteen menu one
• Sample canteen menu two
• Winter sample canteen menu three
• Summer sample canteen menu four
• Winter sample canteen menu five
• Summer sample canteen menu six

*Quigley & Watts (2005). A Rapid Review of the Literature on the Association Between Nutrition School Pupil Performance. Wellington: Quigley and Watts, pg 3.37.