FOCIS, established in 1992, is a not-for-profit charity representing school canteens in Australia.
As a peak body working with State and Territory Canteen Associations and Networks we know school canteens are an integral part of the learning environment and play an important role in health promotion.
FOCIS aims to support, promote, facilitate and empower school communities, State and Territory Canteen Associations and Networks, industry and government to enable stakeholders to make decisions that result in healthy food services.
We are pleased to cover contemporary issues and assist in the coordination of the National School Food Network; a platform for collaboration and sharing successes, ideas and resources to support provision of healthy foods and drinks in Australian schools.
For more information on the National School Food Network see the National School Food Network page.
FOCIS Purpose
Our purpose is to make healthy food and drinks a priority in every school community in Australia.
FOCIS Mission
FOCIS will support, promote, facilitate, and empower school communities, state and territory Associations and Networks, food industry and governments to enable stakeholders to make decisions that result in healthy food environments and healthy school food services by providing tools, resources and information.
FOCIS Objects
The objects of the Association are:
- To improve the health of Australian school children by advocating for the role of school food services in creating a whole of school approach to healthy food environments that are consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines; and
- To advocate and support:
a). school governing bodies
b). state canteen associations and networks
c). governments (federal and state)
d). industry and
e). the broader community
on the value of nutritious and healthy food services.
Who We Serve
All states and territories either through:
- Peak bodies, such as canteen and tuckshop associations
- Other national, State and local organisations that work with schools
- Other State and Territory groups/representatives, such as those without a Peak Body – e.g South Australia and Northern territory
FOCIS Strategic Goals
- Resources
a. Be well resourced to succeed - Advocacy
b. Raise awareness of the importance of food in schools
c. Be recognised as the key advocacy group and national voice for food in schools. - Information sharing
a. Be recognized as the platform for networking, information sharing and professional development. - Measurement
a. Build evidence base to showcase the impact of healthy food in schools.
