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"Background
"In 2005, Maribyrnong College had a student population
of only 250. By the end of 2008, we had 480 and were looking
at increasing to 700 in 2009 - and we have.
"At the end of 2008, our dated and tired canteen needed
a lift. It had been run at a loss for over 10 years, as we
tried to keep the prices down due to a high number of disadvantaged
kids. The range we provided wasn't sufficient for the growing
numbers and it was difficult to maintain in relation to wages,
stock pricing, range, value, compliance etc. With Highpoint
Shopping Centre right next door, it was difficult to keep
the kids inside the school at lunchtime!
"We finally decided it was too much for the school to
continue, so we tendered the canteen contract.
"We had many big catering companies apply who currently
run successful canteens across the state. They had big bright
expensive portfolios that looked very impressive. But there
was one application that our tender committee kept going back
to - it was Bocca Foods: A small family business in the local
area who had run a very successful Café and were now in the
business of manufacturing their own home made packaged products
(eg. pastas, pizzas) to service Melbourne businesses. Their
application was personal, simple and straight to the point.
It was written by people who were enthusiastic and passionate
about healthy eating and more importantly - about helping
our kids to eat better while keeping the prices as low as
possible. They had great ideas and initiatives that they would
introduce if they won the contract and they had the confidence
to know they would succeed. We were all taken by them and
although we knew we were taking a big risk, we decided to
give Bocca Foods a chance. We have never looked back.
"2009 - Bocca Foods' First Year
"Bocca started with a BANG!
"Before the school year had even started, they were
here all through the school holidays getting the place ready
and up to standard. By the end of Term 1, they had already
accomplished the following:
- They hired new staff, implemented uniforms and staff name
badges
- They painted the outside walls of the canteen and completed
general maintenance to update it
- They updated all the old equipment
- They got a REAL coffee machine! (and staff were ecstatic!)
- They received sponsorship from a coffee supplier and put
chairs and tables around the outside area
- They issued a vibrant new canteen menu to all students
- They cleaned out the old stock and introduced new ranges
of food based on the DEECD Healthy Eating policy
- They had bainmaries full of homemade pastas, vegetarian
rice, beef noodles, meat balls, rice balls, baked chicken
strips, halal hot dogs, chicken parma rolls, slice roast
of the day rolls, etc
- In the new mini counter fridges, they had fruit salad,
mixed yoghurts, vegetable frittata slices, mixed sushi rolls,
99% fat free Texas muffins, Vietnamese rice paper rolls,
a huge variety of sandwiches, rolls and wraps
- They mounted a plasma TV up on the wall, which plays music
clips and flashes their daily specials
- They showed that they care about our kids and they care
about our school
"Initiatives
"There's no stopping Bocca!
"Not content on just running a nice, clean, healthy
canteen, the Bocca difference is that they just keep on getting
better and better. Some initiatives that they have introduced
have really made them part of our school community:
- They introduced a 10% discount for kids if they got their
lunch orders in before the start of school
- They introduced a 'Healthy Breakfast' for only $2 which
includes a bowl of cereal, toast and fruit (This assisted
with our Specialist Sports students who had training from
6 am, but also our more disadvantaged kids who sometimes
don't get breakfast at all.)
- They introduced drink vouchers for those kids who did
yard duty each day
- They introduced drink vouchers for those kids who did
roll duty each day
- They put on a morning tea each term for the staff in appreciation
of their support
- During 'Healthy Bones Week', they allowed the Year 10
Food Tech classes to sell their high calcium milkshakes
- They assist the SRC with fundraising days in donating
goods and time in support
- They employed two of our Year 10 students to support the
'work experience' curriculum
- They assist the Parents & Friends with fundraising events
by donating goods and time in support
- They are in the midst of introducing the 'traffic light
system' to help kids identify which foods should be eaten
daily, occasionally and 'once in a while'.
- They kept their promise to keep the prices low
"Why are we nominating our school canteen?
- They ensure all our students are catered for in relation
to dietary and nutritional requirements, allergies, taste,
range and value for money
- They are hard working, flexible, friendly and very personable
- They keep up to date with the DEECD healthy eating guidelines
- They treat our students with respect and kindness
- They are constantly changing the food they offer in line
with the weather, trends and requirements
- No job is too big or too small and it's always done with
a smile
- Over 75% of the food they serve is made on the premises
- using fresh and healthy ingredients
- They serve food from 7.30 am - 4.30 pm daily to ensure
no one is left hungry - or without coffee
- We think they are fabulous!
- Melissa Gramatakos, Business Manager
What do our staff and students think?
"The coffee is beautiful and they are always pleasant to
deal with" - Helen, Finance Manager
"Sells a good variety of food" - Ruby, Year 10 student
"Friendly service, they bring a smile to my face every morning
when I put my coffee on my tab" - Bonnie, Teacher
"It's really good, they sell a wide variety of food" - Stephen,
Year 7 student
"Friendly, fantastic service, good quality food at reasonable
prices" - Branka, Acting Assistant Principal
"Much better than last year - and healthier and better range"
- Jessica, Year 10 student
"The best school canteen I have known in over 30 years of
working in secondary education" - Wendy, Assistant Principal
"It's good, taste is good, I love the chicken" - James,
Year 10 student
"The new range of more fresher and delicious food is awesome
and the price of the food is really good value" - Eric,
Year 8 student
"The variety, freshness and quality is welcomed by all" -
Rosalba, Admin
"I reckon it's pretty good now that they've started making
pasta and rice and stuff, it's really tasty" - Levi, Year
8 student
"The pasta is the best, they change it every day" - Alex,
Year 9 student
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