Nurturing a generation
The Kitchen Garden Foundation's impact on Australian education
Across Australia, The Kitchen Garden Foundation is transforming how children understand, engage with, and value food - teaching them not just to cook and garden, but to develop lifelong healthy habits.
Through hands-on programs in schools and early childhood centres, students learn where their food comes from, how to prepare it, and the joy of sharing it with others, all while building confidence, teamwork, and curiosity.
Founded over twenty years ago, the Foundation has grown into a national movement, empowering communities and inspiring the next generation to make informed, sustainable choices about the food they eat.
Stephanie Alexander AO with students at Collingwood College
Stephanie Alexander AO with students at Collingwood College
A vision rooted in change
The journey began in 2004 when renowned chef and educator Stephanie Alexander AO established the Kitchen Garden Foundation. Motivated by the growing concerns over childhood obesity and the disconnect between children and their food sources, Stephanie envisioned a program that would not only teach children how to grow and prepare food but also instill a lifelong appreciation for fresh, seasonal, and delicious meals.
Their mission is simple but powerful: "The purpose of the Kitchen Garden Foundation is to introduce pleasurable food education to children and young people during their learning years."
Establishing roots
Over the past two decades, the Kitchen Garden Program has blossomed across Australia. "Currently, over 1,000 schools and early childhood services across Australia are running the Kitchen Garden Program,” says Hayley McKee, Communications & Engagement Manager at the Foundation. “Children from as young as three through to early secondary students are learning to grow, harvest, prepare, and share fresh, seasonal, and nourishing food.”
Over the Foundation’s long history, it is estimated that more than a million children - and their families - have benefited from hands-on education focused on health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
Curriculum integration: Learning beyond the garden
The impact of the program extends beyond the garden beds and kitchen counters. At Kin Kin State School, Kitchen Specialist Michelle Luxford observes first hand the transformative effects on students.
The Kitchen Garden Foundation at Kin Kin State School
"Many start off unfamiliar with different foods and are reluctant to try new things. Our motto is: 'You don’t have to like it, you don’t have to eat it, but you do have to try it.' This takes the pressure off and encourages children to experiment," Luxford explains.
"Over time, students surprise themselves - trying foods they thought they wouldn’t like and discovering they actually enjoy them."
Michelle also explains how the program seamlessly integrates with the curriculum, providing practical applications for academic concepts: "One of the most powerful moments we’ve seen is when a student proudly said, 'I can do fractions now', because of the cooking with cups, halves, etc.”
Through cooking and gardening, children are applying maths, science, and other curriculum areas in hands-on, enjoyable ways.
Building confidence and community
Beyond academic learning, the program fosters essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience.
Students work collaboratively in the kitchen and garden, taking on various roles and responsibilities that contribute to the success of their projects.
"Students have developed the confidence to try new foods and feel a strong sense of purpose when they enter the kitchen or garden - they know what the space is about and look forward to being there."
"Working in groups has built their teamwork skills, with each child given set tasks and responsibilities...Importantly, the program also builds communication skills. Students take pride in describing to their peers what they have made and
how they created it, showing ownership of their learning and growing confidence in sharing their achievements with others," she adds.
A call for broader support
Despite the program's success, there remains a pressing need for broader recognition and support for food education. "Over 50% of our work supports children in remote or regional locations across Australia, and the majority of our schools are in communities experiencing socio-educational barriers," Hayley highlights.
"There are so many more communities we could impact, and that's only made possible through state and federal funding, generous philanthropic partnerships, and corporate sponsors."
This year alone, more than 1,400 schools applied for grants to join the program - roughly 274,000 children waiting for the opportunity to benefit from this transformative food education.
Sustaining the growth
As the Foundation progresses through its current five-year strategy, there is a clear focus on sustainability and expansion. “We are mid-point in our current five-year strategy, and so a perfect time to reflect, review and refresh,” explains CEO Rob Rees. “We won't, though, ever stray from our purpose of enabling children and young people to form positive food habits for life. We will be looking to find ways to integrate better with as many communities across Australia as possible.”
“Improving food literacy for all will address social justice issues, environmental issues and support medical experts looking to address the double burden of obesity and malnutrition.”
He recognises that parents lead busy lives and are navigating some of the toughest economic times, making access to fresh fruit and vegetables a real challenge. “At a time when it is most needed, a continual investment into empowering and supporting communities with food literacy skills is fundamental. We don't believe this should be a wish list decision for our population, but an essential requirement.”
This forward-thinking approach includes improvements in school canteen offerings as part of a ‘Whole School Approach’. As governments begin to recognise the value of high-quality school canteen food, the Foundation aims to support these efforts, ensuring that healthy food choices are accessible and appealing to all students.
It is not just teaching children about food, but fostering curiosity, resilience, and collaboration that extend far beyond the classroom.
It’s clear that the Foundation’s programs are more than just educational: they are reshaping the way Australians view food, education, and community. By equipping children with the skills and knowledge to make informed food choices, the Foundation is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future.
As the program continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every Australian child has the opportunity to develop positive food habits for life. Through continued support, collaboration, and commitment, this vision is not just a possibility - it is becoming a reality.
For more information or to support the Kitchen Garden Foundation, visit kitchengardenfoundation.org.au
Images: Kitchen Garden Foundation
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