Early childhood
The Kitchen Garden Program is the leading provider of food education in Australia.
Perfect for little hands and curious minds, the Kitchen Garden Program for Early Childhood is a play-based, hands-on program that promotes a whole-service approach to teaching children about fresh, seasonal, and delicious food.
Adaptable to any early childhood setting, from remote communities to urban centres, it encourages children to connect with nature and themselves.
The program supports implementation of the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA)’s National Quality Standard (NQS), and is aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
“The Kitchen Garden Program is a working toolbox that is constantly opened and expanded upon in every room, every day.”
Julie Lemmon, Food Education Leader, Clarendon Children’s Centre
Membership inclusions
- Professional development webinar: Kitchen Garden Ready — Get going, get growing!
- Welcome call from the Kitchen Garden team
Your welcome box includes: - Early Childhood workbook series: Practical advice and planning resources to run your Kitchen Garden Program (seven books)
- A Kitchen Garden Program educator apron
Ongoing membership support : - Personalised support via phone, email and video calls with the Kitchen Garden team
- 24/7 access to the Shared Table, our online kitchen garden resource library and community hub
- Monthly newsletter packed with shortcuts to planning kitchen garden experiences
- Professional development – topical webinars (unlimited places) and in-person training (available at an additional cost)
- Networking opportunities, peer engagement and inspiration from our national community of educators
- Access to WaterUps member pricing and exclusive offers
Start-up membership package
Two-year membership: $975
Two-year renewal: $440
Free info session
Join a free online info session to see how the Kitchen Garden Program can fit any space or budget.
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.
Who benefits
Children:
- Practical, life‑long skills in leadership, confidence, communication, problem‑solving, teamwork and critical thinking
- Knowledge, confidence and hands‑on skills in cooking and gardening
- Greater willingness to try new foods
- Increased motivation and connection to learning
- Play‑based exploration of literacy, numeracy, sustainability and STEAM
Educators:
- Easy-to-use resources aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework
- Professional development designed to guide you at every stage of your kitchen garden journey
- Personalised support from our knowledgeable Kitchen Garden team
- Inspiration and connection via our national community of educators
Communities:
- Increased social inclusion and shared learning
- Stronger partnerships between services and their communities
- Healthier, more resilient and food‑secure communities