The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, introduced by the Federal Government in 2008, has made a real difference to students around Australia according to a recent evaluation by the University of Wollongong.
The report shows that students involved in the program are more likely to try new and healthier food – even more so if they have grown or cooked the food themselves. Since its introduction, parents have reported improvements in students' behaviours and teachers have reported that the program is providing support for students at risk of social exclusion. 97% of teachers also said the program helped students learn in other subject areas.
The program was developed by chef and culinary expert Stephanie Alexander.
"The fundamental philsophy behind the Kitchen Garden program is that by setting good examples and engaging children's curiousity, as well as their energy and their taste buds, we can provide positive and memorable food experiences that will form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits," says Stephanie Alexander.
The evaluation showed that the 35,000+ children who have so far taken part in the program have enjoyed getting their hands dirty and learning how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh food. Aimed at 8-12 year olds, the program involves time in the veggie garden and the kitchen as part of the everyday school experience. Because of the diversity of locations, and the need to learn about soil, sunshine, water and which plants grow best at different times of the year, each school community has its own challenges and successes.
The schools currently in the program range across all states and territories - and all climactic conditions - from Coober Pedy in the outback to Alawa (Darwin) in the tropics to Pemberton in south west WA and Bondi in beachside Sydney.
Ed Husic, the Federal Member for Chifley, who accompanied Stephanie Alexander on a recent visit to Whalan Public School in western Sydney said that the program had made a real difference to students, teachers and parents.
“The evaluation proves that these wonderful Kitchen Gardens really do work,” Mr Husic said.
“I’m particularly impressed with the sensational garden here at Whalan Public School, not only for the positive impacts it’s having on students, but with the incredible team of volunteers that helps to run the Kitchen Garden.”
In August last year, the program received an additional $5.4 million in funding from the Gillard Government to make it more accessible and to allow teachers who have undertaken training, as well as specialists, to deliver the program.
The program also now provides 80 low socio-economic status grants of up to $10,000 (GST exclusive) to support implementation. The aim is to reach 400 additional schools, in addition to the 267 schools already involved, by providing access to a teacher-delivered kitchen garden curriculum and online resources.
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You can find out more at Kitchen Garden Foundation. The evaluation report is available here.
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