Getting started
The Kitchen Garden Program is Australia’s leading provider of food education. We empower educators to support children’s health and wellbeing, enrich learning through hands-on experiences, and embed sustainability in everyday practice.
Whether you’re just getting started or strengthening existing garden or kitchen activities, the Kitchen Garden Program grows with you. You don’t need a purpose-built kitchen or established garden beds to begin — many schools and early childhood services start with a few pots, basic tools and a kitchen bench.
If you’re ready to bring the Kitchen Garden Program to your school, service or community initiative, it’s easy to get started:
→ Attend a free information session
→ Call our Kitchen Garden team for a chat on 1300 072 543
→ Join our national network and become a member:
Early Childhood
Primary
Secondary
Membership inclusions
Personalised support
Our knowledgeable Kitchen Garden team is available via phone, email and video call to help you with all the essentials — from getting started in the garden to simple cooking experiences.
Professional development
Professional development supports your skills, builds confidence and connects you with like-minded educators. We offer an introductory webinar, enrichment webinars and virtual tours, alongside opportunities for in-person training.
The Shared Table
Our online resource library and community hub features recipes, teaching resources, and activities linked to the Australian Curriculum and EYLF Learning Outcomes, while providing a space to connect and share with educators nationwide.
Educational resources
We publish a wide range of educational resources, both online and in print, to support your delivery of the Kitchen Garden Program including the Monthly Planner, a newsletter packed with shortcuts to plan your kitchen garden classes.
The Kitchen Garden Program’s impact is widely respected. It has been acknowledged for its benefits by ACER, ARACY, Beyond Blue, and other national organisations that champion child development and community health. Their recognition reflects what educators consistently report: children are more engaged, calmer, more cooperative, and more connected when kitchen garden learning becomes part of their everyday experience.
Running the Kitchen Garden Program
Ideally, the program is run by a team of two — educators, staff, parents, grandparents or volunteers. And even if you’re going solo, our resources and friendly Kitchen Garden team are here to help. Your budget to run the program will vary depending on your facilities, number of children, and goals.
At our free info session, you will explore practical strategies to set yourself up for success:
→ How to start small with a potted garden or kitchen trolley
→ Clever ways to source donations and materials
→ How to give every child a chance to participate