World's largest environmental award longlists Kitchen Garden Foundation

• The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is the only Australian organisation longlisted for the 2026 Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize.
   
• Chosen from over 1,000 global nominations, the Foundation’s Kitchen Garden Program teaches sustainable food practices in more than 1,000 schools and early childhood services nationwide.
   
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The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is the only Australian organisation longlisted for the prestigious 2026 Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize, which rewards initiatives that support the planet’s ecosystems while feeding the world. 

Two million USD (3 million AUD) will be awarded to one single winner, making the Food Planet Prize the world’s largest environmental award.  

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation was chosen from more than 1,000 nominations worldwide. The longlist features 35 initiatives across 19 countries that are driving transformation in global food systems. The Foundation’s CEO Rob Rees MBE DL, said: 

“Making the longlist for the Food Planet Prize is an extraordinary global recognition and a testament to the impact of our work. To be uniquely positioned within Australia for such an honour reflects the dedication and vision of team members past and present. This nomination belongs to every educator who brings our aspiration to life in schools and communities across the country.” 

The Foundation’s Kitchen Garden Program is delivered in over 1,000 schools and early childhood services across the nation, teaching children and communities about sustainable, small-scale food production, reducing reliance on industrial agriculture and creating urban green spaces.

The Foundation also implements community place-based projects working alongside communities to reduce inequities for children and young people in priority communities. 

Through the Kitchen Garden Program, an estimated 28,000 m² of school gardens have been established over the past 21 years, potentially producing 560 tonnes of fresh food annually. The program also promotes biodiversity, regenerative practices, and lessons on circular systems, including composting, water-wise gardening and pollinator-friendly practices. 

If awarded the prize, the Foundation would: 

• Expand access to the Kitchen Garden Program by providing 500 schools and early childhood services — in priority communities facing food insecurity, environmental injustices, disaster recovery challenges, and/or social barriers — with a Kitchen Garden Program membership and cash grant to initiate or upgrade kitchen and garden infrastructure. 

• Strengthen community capacity by funding a place-based coordinator in each state and territory to lead on-the-ground community development, co-design of food education programs and solutions, and deliver hands-on planetary health education.  

The Prize jury, co-chaired by food systems scientist Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, and internationally acclaimed Michelin star chef Magnus Nilsson, will now evaluate the longlisted initiatives, with the winner announced in June 2026. 

Help us address the urgent need to teach Australian children where their food comes from and how to live healthy, resilient, and happy lives. Donate today.