AVELEY and Ballajura primary schools are among 97 public schools around WA to benefit from the first round of the state government’s supporting school canteens program.

Applications for the small funding stream were for projects up to $50,000 with first round recipients sharing in more than $2.3 million of funding.

The funding will support practical improvements including new equipment and minor infrastructure upgrades to better serve their school communities.

Aveley Primary School principal Natalie Bracegirdle said the school was excited to announce its funding success, which provided an opportunity to further enhance the healthy food options available to their students and families.

“Working in partnership with our dedicated P&C who proudly operate our school canteen, the grant will support improvements that expand our range of fresh, nutritious and affordable menu options while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the service,” Ms Bracegirdle said.

“Healthy eating plays an important role in student wellbeing, helping children stay energised, focused and ready to learn.

“The enhanced menu will also provide greater convenience for busy families by offering quality recess and lunch choices that students enjoy.

“We are looking forward to working with the P&C to implement these exciting improvements over the coming months.”

Ballajura Community College acting principal Jason Tomlinson said the college intended to use the funding to purchase two large commercial display fridges and two large commercial freezers for their canteen.

“The canteen is operated by an external provider and provides students and staff with a wide range of food options five days a week,” Mr Tomlinson said.

“This funding will enable us to further enhance an already well-established service by increasing refrigeration and freezer capacity and supporting our ability to continue meeting the needs of our students.

“Once installed, the new equipment will replace a display fridge currently on loan from the college’s hospitality learning area, allowing it to be returned for student use.

“The additional freezer capacity will also support the canteen in storing a greater range and quantity of healthy food options and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the canteen’s operation.

“This will ensure students continue to have access to nutritious, affordable food throughout the school day.”