Well I haven't read all of the replies but I believe it to be mandatory here in Qld. (odd if Qld is ahead of other states! )

I think you should kindly but firmly push this barrow. I disagree that school canteens cannot be copletely run on healthy food choices. They can and in my opinion should be.
Food is fuel. If you put the bodgie stuff in you get bodgie stuff out.
Good food fuels much more efficiently. AND it's a way of showing kids that healthy food can be yummy.

My kids go to an Ananda Marga school - there is canteen once a week - it all has to be pre ordered. It's all vegetarian with no packaging. Packaging and packaged foods are not allowed at school. That means museli bars, mini yoghurts, cheese sticks etc.

The kids love tuckshop day. It's yummy, cheap and healthy. There are never any arguments because it's not an option.

I know governement based schools cannot have these rules but it has been my experience that the less crap, less packaging. Less arguments less problems.

Go the healthy school option FJ and do it firmly and Kindly and I feel sure you will rally support from other parents. Kids have lots of out of school time for crappy food - I say keep it out of schools!!!