Queensland Association of School Tuckshops (QAST)

👥 Looking to build a stronger tuckshop team?

Finding the right people is only the first step. Clear position descriptions help set expectations, define responsibilities, support training, and create a more effective and accountable workplace.

No matter what role you’re recruiting for, having a well-written position description can save time, improve communication and help new team members hit the ground running.

Download our templates and start strengthening your recruitment process 🔗https://qast.org.au/resources/staff-recruitment/

❄️ Warm up your winter menu! 🍲

As the cooler months arrive, students and staff start looking for comforting, hearty meals that help take the chill off the day. Winter is the perfect time to refresh your menu with seasonal favourites that are nutritious, satisfying and can help boost tuckshop sales.

From soups and curries to pasta dishes and other warming lunch options, there are plenty of ways to create a menu that keeps your school community coming back for more.

Here’s some inspo 👉 https://qast.org.au/resources/winter-warmers-in-your-tuckshop/

📣 Calling all tuckshop convenors, coordinators & school food heroes!

Want to run your tuckshop smarter, healthier & more profitably? Our Tuckshop Management Course is here to equip you with the tools, confidence, and know-how to make your tuckshop shine.

Upcoming sessions you won’t want to miss:

🗓 Monday, 27 July – Virtual
🗓 Tuesday, 18 August – Face-to-Face, Brisbane

ADDED BONUS: There’s no exam or assessment — so your time is spent sharing, discussing & learning.

Learn more here 👉 https://qast.org.au/training/tuckshop-management-course/

🥪 Is the humble toastie one of your tuckshop's secret weapons?

Simple, versatile and loved by students, toasties can be a reliable menu item that delivers great value and strong sales. But with a few smart strategies, they can do even more for your tuckshop.

Here’s our top toastie tactics to take your toastie game to the next level https://qast.org.au/resources/toastie-tactics/

🍎 Keep food safety front and centre in your tuckshop!

Whether you're new to the tuckshop or looking for a refresher, our Food Safety for School Tuckshops course provides the practical knowledge and confidence needed to keep your tuckshop safe, compliant and running smoothly.

Designed specifically for school tuckshops and canteens, this course covers essential food safety principles, hygiene practices, safe food handling, storage, preparation and preventing cross-contamination.

📅 Upcoming course dates:
✅ Face-to-Face (Brisbane) – Monday, 20 July 2026
✅ Virtual via Zoom – Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Secure your place today and help ensure your tuckshop remains a safe and trusted part of your school community 👉 https://qast.org.au/training/food-safety-for-school-tuckshops/

Looking for a fresh, satisfying lunch option for your tuckshop menu… that will appeal to older students AND teachers and staff?

Our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, pasta, crisp salad ingredients and classic Caesar flavours into one delicious meal that students will love.

It's a great way to offer a balanced, filling option that's perfect for warmer days and busy lunch breaks.

Get the recipe and give it a try 👉https://qast.org.au/recipe/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/

Did you miss any of our Healthier Tuckshops Network Meetings this term?

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! You can find recordings of them all, plus more from the start of the year, here 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmK-7FAdz1uGGZGAaesWN_UUwGNg2F00G

REMINDER: Join Nat and Naomi for our Tuckshop Network Meeting for a refresher on Smart Choices at 2.30pm this afternoon ☕💻

Join via this zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84718490002?pwd=RGhwdnhqejk4aU9oOW05U0xTQWNqdz09

🚗 Central Queensland, we're coming your way! 🚗

The QAST team will be hitting the road from 10–13 August 2026 to connect with tuckshop convenors, staff and volunteers across Central Queensland.

Whether you're looking to do some training or simply the chance to connect with others who understand the unique world of school tuckshops, we'd love to meet you.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and be inspired.

Find out more 👉 https://qast.org.au/central-queensland-tuckshops-visit-10-13-august-2026/

Register your interest 🔗 https://qast.org.au/regional-visit-eoi/

Looking for fresh ideas, practical solutions and the chance to connect with other tuckshop professionals?

Join us for our next Healthier Tuckshops Network Meeting next Tuesday, 9 June.

At this session, you’ll:

💜 Revisit the Smart Choices guidelines and what it means for your menu
💙 Clarify the difference between GREEN, AMBER, and RED items
💚 Learn how to assess products and recipes with confidence
💛 Get practical tips for making small changes that have a big impact
❓ Ask questions and work through real tuckshop examples.

Register today 👉 https://qast.org.au/event-registrations/