Benefits

• Life-long skills in the kitchen and garden



• Introduction to and appreciation of fresh seasonal food



• Socialisation through teamwork, sharing a meal and working with volunteers



• Practical understanding of environmental sustainability



• Understanding of the link between good food choices and optimum health



• Active, hands-on activity and exercise

For children

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



• Models a new way to connect with parents/family in discussing what happens in the Kitchen Garden Program and applying what is learnt (growing things, cooking things) at home



• Develops understanding of time needed for important things to happen e.g. grow food to harvest, bread dough to rise



• Introduces new foods, new flavours, new textures



• Develops appreciation of fresh seasonal food



• Students learn and record specific vocabulary to describe some of the textures, tastes and sights that they experience



• Students record their experiences through class diaries



• Students develop confidence and self esteem



• Encourages physical activity



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



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



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



• Develops strong relationships with adults other than class teacher or parent e.g. volunteers



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



• Encourgaes the link between good food choices and optimum health



• Develops better understanding of the relationship between the garden and the table

For schools

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



• Creates excitement within the school community



• Builds internal and external community networks and connections during construction phase and ongoing volunteering



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



• Facility can also be used for community purposes, before and after school care groups, special occasion celebrations and hired for income



• Be recognised as a valuable contributor to educational innovation