THE Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation have hand picked four ‘Canteen Champions’ from Victoria to share their stories, vision and best-selling dishes, with The Hamilton and Alexandra College (THAAC) canteen manager, Sally Finch, recognised for her work.
School canteens and sports kiosks are important sites for celebrating healthy, nourishing food and drink. Healthy Kids Advisors are proud to work alongside hundreds of ‘Canteen Champions’ to support them in increasing fresh, delicious food options for their community’s young people and families.
Ms Finch said she runs the canteen from 8.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Friday, mostly preparing the food herself with a little assistance.
“Recess is served at 11am and lunch at 1pm. I have help from student volunteers, Parent and Friends Association members, and other parent helpers – soon I’ll have an employed assistant to help me out three days a week,” she said.
“My days are busy, but I have a good routine now – I write a daily plan for what I’m preparing, so that helps to keep me focused.
“First, I cook all the hot food for the day, such as muffins, sausage rolls, zucchini slices, and a daily special, then I receive and prepare the junior school lunch orders and get the food prepared, and in the warmer or fridges, ready for recess.
“After recess, I clean up and unpack any deliveries that may have come, (and then) it’s time to get the menu ready for lunch.
“I cook mini pizzas and a daily special, then prepare any extra hot food that may need to be stocked up after recess – if time allows, I will do some preparation for the following day.
“After lunch service it’s time for dishes, cleaning, washing the floor, and restocking for the next day.”
Southern Grampians Healthy Kids Advisor, Monique Sobey, said Ms Finch is the driving force behind all the changes at the school canteen.
“Sally is always coming up with fresh new healthier options for the students and was willing to remove the less healthier choices,” she said.
“Thanks to Sally the students that chose to purchase snacks at the school canteen are now purchasing healthier and fresher options.
“I would like to acknowledge that The Hamilton and Alexandra College have fully supported Sally in making these changes.”
