Benefits

• For children


• For schools


• For the wider school communities

For children

• Develop new skills in the kitchen and garden that equip them to lead lives that are not dependent on processed foods


• Develop an understanding of the time needed for important things to happen, e.g. vegetables growing, bread dough rising


• Experience new foods, new flavours and new textures


• Develop an appreciation of fresh, seasonal food


• Learn and record specific vocabulary to describe the textures, tastes and sights they experience


• Record their experiences through class diaries


• Develop confidence and self-esteem


• Enjoy physical activity


• Develop cooperative behaviour, as all work is done as part of a small group


• Develop social skills at the table, e.g. sharing, conversation


• Develop deeper understandings and tolerance of cultural difference by exposure to other culinary traditions


• Develop strong relationships with adults other than the class teacher or parent, e.g. volunteers


• Develop a practical understanding of environmental issues such as soil health, water management, seed-saving, organic pest control and the importance of plant diversity


• See the link between good food choices and optimum health


• Develop a better understanding of the relationship between the garden and the table.

For schools

• Achieve learning outcomes through an innovative, hands-on approach


• Create excitement within the school community


• Build students’, families’ and local communities’ pride in their school, which has flow-on effects such as increased enrolments and less vandalism


• Maintain a facility that can also be used for community purposes, before and after school care groups and special celebrations, and which can be hired for extra income


• Be recognised as a valuable contributor to educational innovation.

For the wider school communities

• Build internal and external community networks and connections during community meetings, the construction phase and ongoing maintenance


• Make connections within families, providing a new opportunity for children, parents and families to discuss what happens in the Kitchen Garden Program and apply what is learnt (growing things, cooking things) at home.


• Connect diverse people with common interests, such as through volunteer participation and local business sponsorship


• Promote a wider participation in the school and local community, through activities such as workshops, fundraisers, exhibitions and fairs.