Children at Meadows Primary in Broadmeadows have received $60,000 as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program.The program is designed to teach children from the Calwell electorate how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh food and adopt healthy eating habits.
The Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon, said the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program seeks to improve nutrition and develop life-long healthy eating habits of local children, as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to preventative health.“We know that preventative health programs work and this program gets kids out in the garden, growing their own food and then learning how to cook healthily. It is changing the way children approach and think about food,” Ms Roxon said. Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou said: “This program is about setting a good example, engaging children’s curiosity, as well as their energy and taste buds. I can’t wait to come back for morning tea when the garden is up and running,” The program was founded by culinary expert Stephanie Alexander and is now supported by the Australian Government through a $12.8 million investment over four years to implement the program in up to 190 schools nation-wide. This funding round builds on the success of the first two rounds which were announced in January and December of 2009. The Government also recently announced $1 million over three years to develop curriculum resources to support the program.For further information about the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program go to www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au
