The functions of school canteens are to:

provide a service to the school community

provide a variety of nutritious and attractively presented food and drinks at a reasonable cost and reinforce classroom learning.

the canteen provides a rewarding opportunity for parents to be involved in their child's school.

A canteen can become an essential source of nutrition education that supports what students learn in the classroom and supports a whole school approach to healthy eating such as; the school produce garden.