Fresh start for 10 schools in the Southern Highlands and beyond - Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation

Ten schools across Australia will transform learning through hands-on food education.

With support from SMART Collective and Burradoo Park Farm, each school will receive a Kitchen Garden Program membership and a $5,000 infrastructure grant to strengthen their kitchen and garden spaces.

As part of a five-year partnership with SMART Collective, five of the recipient schools are located in the Southern Highlands of NSW.

Ten schools across Australia are about to transform the way their students engage with learning, taking lessons beyond the classroom and into the garden and kitchen.

Each school has received a Kitchen Garden Program membership and a $5,000 infrastructure grant, thanks to the generous support of our partner, SMART Collective.

SMART Collective have partnered with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation to create an immersive food education hub at Burradoo Park Farm for the benefit of local and regional schools, and their communities. As part of the 5-year partnership, 10 schools in need of support will be selected annually, helping more regional students access food education that builds essential skills for health, wellbeing, resilience and lifelong learning.

The Southern Highlands schools will also benefit from extra local support from our Burradoo Park Farm Project Lead. The partnership is a flagship initiative that embeds the Kitchen Garden Program within a world-class education hub, creating lasting opportunities for students, schools and families across the region to engage in hands-on food education and deepen their connection to food, sustainability and community.

Meet the 2026 recipients

From regional to specialist schools, this year’s recipients share a commitment to creating Kitchen Garden Programs that cultivate wellbeing, life skills, sustainability and meaningful community connections.

Glenquarry Public School (NSW)

Glenquarry Public School is building a program that supports student wellbeing and learning, particularly for those with additional needs. Students will grow, cook and share produce, with plans to sell vegetables at the school’s community market.

Funding will go towards wicking beds, a worm farm, mulch, raised beds, tools and seeds.

Wingello Public School (NSW)

Wingello Public School is introducing a chicken program, expanding its garden, and building an outdoor kitchen. Students will care for chickens, collect eggs and learn about food systems and sustainability.

The eggs will be used within the school and sold, giving students valuable insight into small-scale enterprise and financial literacy.

Tangara School (NSW)

Tangara School is embedding food education across subjects, creating accessible garden spaces and hands-on cooking experiences. The program will promote sustainability, celebrate diversity through food, and strengthen connections with families and the wider community.

Mittagong Public School (NSW)

Mittagong Public School aims to build confident, capable learners who understand where food comes from and how to grow, prepare and share it responsibly.

Through gardening and cooking, students will develop practical skills, teamwork and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

Hill Top Public School (NSW)

Hill Top Public School envisions a Kitchen Garden program that nurtures curiosity, wellbeing, and sustainability in their regional community. Plans include upgrading irrigation, installing raised beds and introducing Indigenous and climate-suitable plants to build environmental and cultural awareness.

Hands-on learning will support student engagement, resilience and a strong sense of belonging.

Dayboro State School (QLD)

Through its Kitchen Garden Program, Dayboro State School will grow fresh produce for the school tuckshop while deepening students’ understanding of sustainability. The program will also provide a calm, welcoming environment during breaks and strengthen connections with the local community and kindy.

The grant will fund additional garden beds, improved soil, a small orchard, safer pathways and storage, with the possibility of introducing a native beehive.

Joondalup Education Support Centre (WA)

Joondalup Education Support Centre is developing a sensory-rich Kitchen Garden Program tailored to students with diverse needs. Through supported participation, students will build confidence, independence and practical life skills.

The garden will also become a shared space for students, staff and families to connect.

Ingle Farm Primary School (SA)

Ingle Farm Primary School is creating a peaceful sanctuary and outdoor learning space that connects its Farm and Sensory Gardens. Students will use the space for food education, science learning and shared experiences.

Their Kitchen Garden Program will also celebrate the school’s cultural diversity, giving students opportunities to share their backgrounds through food and gardening.

Bonnyrigg Public School (NSW)

Bonnyrigg Public School is creating an inclusive Kitchen Garden Program where every student builds the skills and confidence to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh food. The school will integrate food education across the curriculum, supporting sustainability, wellbeing and community connection.

Funding will support a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor learning space, enabling year-round, hands-on learning and stronger engagement across the school community.

Mission Beach State School (QLD)

Mission Beach State School is using its Kitchen Garden Program to support real-world learning and encourage lifelong healthy habits. Students will engage in hands-on gardening, developing practical skills, confidence and an appreciation for fresh food.

As the Kitchen Garden Program takes shape at these schools, the impact will be felt not just by the students, but across entire school communities, from the Southern Highlands to the rest of Australia. To learn more about our flagship Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program at Burradoo Park Farm, get in touch with our Project Lead, Liza Wyckoff-White.

There are over 390 000 children standing by to receive food education. If you’re interested in collaborating with us in communities of need, find out more here.