School catering is more than just providing meals; even the food students eat at school plays a role in their education, teaching variety, culture, and how to eat well. A well-organised catering service ensures that students receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically and physically. After all, good nutrition contributes to improved concentration, cognitive performance, and overall wellbeing. And as schools embrace this more holistic approach to education, catering services have become an integral part of supporting students’ growth.
At gather by Cater Care, we believe that food served in schools should nourish not only the body but also the mind, and showcase the spirit of diversity, ensuring all students feel included and supported.
Inclusivity in school catering
In today’s diverse world, school catering needs to embrace and reflect the cultural diversity of the student population. Inclusivity is about ensuring that everyone feels represented and respected, and food is a powerful way to do that. Embracing cultural diversity in school catering involves offering meals and food themes that reflect a variety of cuisines, honouring students’ different backgrounds.
For example, some schools may require special meals for dietary restrictions based on cultural or religious beliefs. gather is committed to providing options that meet these requirements, ensuring that no child is left out at mealtime and gets to feel the pride of having their culture represented through good food.
As Nicole from St Saviour’s College highlights in this testimonial, “I couldn’t recommend gather enough … We’ve got a couple of girls with special dietary needs and they’re always really well catered for.”
Aboriginal catering: a cultural celebration in schools
Aboriginal catering is an important aspect of our school catering services, promoting respect and recognition for Indigenous cultures. By incorporating traditional ingredients and Aboriginal-inspired meals into school menus, we introduce students to the rich history and flavours of Australia’s First Nations peoples. This not only enhances the school dining experience but also serves as an educational opportunity on how to best look after their food health.
It’s not just about food. It’s about bringing people together and learning about the rich culture and traditions of the Aboriginal community. Through catering, we can share these stories.Our work at schools like St Teresa, North Queensland, shows our dedication to fostering inclusivity and creating an environment where every student feels welcomed. Each year we ramp up the excitement and help cater for their annual NAIDOC celebration. Over two thousand people from the region attend the event. The gather team plays a vital role in working with the school to create a feast with native flavours for over 3,000 visiting dignitaries, staff, students, and their families. It’s a stunning event. Check out more about the NAIDOC event at St Teresa at this video:
By incorporating Aboriginal catering, schools can help students gain a better understanding of Indigenous culture, while enjoying nutritious, locally sourced meals.
The future of school catering services
As we look toward the future, the role of school catering will continue to evolve. Schools are placing a greater emphasis on healthy eating, sustainability, and cultural inclusivity. gather continuously adapts our services to meet the changing needs of schools and their students.
We believe the future of school catering will see even more integration of local and native ingredients, stronger partnerships with Indigenous suppliers, and further efforts to promote cultural understanding through food.
We are also committed to staying aligned with educational trends and offering innovative, nutritious, and inclusive food options that benefit both students and the broader community.
Ready to improve the cultural inclusivity of food at your school?
gather is proud to lead the way in school catering services that not only meet the nutritional needs of students but also celebrate the cultural diversity that makes Australia unique. If you want to learn more about how we incorporate Aboriginal catering into our school catering services, visit our Indigenous Catering page and download our comprehensive Food for Indigenous Students eBook to explore how we are making a positive difference in school communities.
To hear directly from our clients, check out this testimonial from St Saviours College, where we are proud to serve healthy, inclusive meals.
Contact us today to learn how we can enhance your school’s catering program and bring cultural awareness and nutritious meals to your students.
Bonus: free Native Flavours recipe
Each year, to celebrate NAIDOC, the gather food team creates a special recipe featuring Australia’s Native Flavours. This year, our featured native flavour is Lemon Myrtle and White Kunzea, highlighted in a delicious butter shortbread recipe.
“The leaves of White Kunzea can be used in cooking to add a eucalyptus and citrus flavour,” and have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicine for various ailments, including coughs, colds, and wounds.¹
Click here to try out the recipe!
Tip: When using White Kunzea in cooking, start with a small amount and add more to taste, as the flavour can be quite strong.
Reference: ¹ https://bushtobowl.com/products/kunzea-ambigua-white-kunzea#:~:text=Medicinal%3A%20White%20Kunzea%20has%20been,evidence%20to%20support%20these%20uses
To find out more, get in touch with David O’Brien to have a quick chat about how gather can provide your students and residents with a well-rounded and connecting mealtime experience.
- 0424 190 566
