By Laura Michell
Fresh and seasonal produce will be going from playground to plate at two Whittlesea schools after they received state government funding to set up kitchen gardens.
Whittlesea Primary School and Mernda Central P-12 College are among 100 Victorian schools to receive funding as part of the government’s playground to plate program.
The program helps schools to establish a kitchen garden based on the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden philosophy, encouraging kids to get involved in the growing, harvesting, preparations and sharing of fresh produce.
Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said kitchen gardens were a great way to improve the health of the school community.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for schools to teach gardening and cooking skills that emphasise the flavours as well as the health benefits of fresh, seasonal, delicious food,” she said.
“Whittlesea has one of the highest risks for cardiovascular health issues, so developing a food culture that values health and wellbeing during childhood helps to ensure lifelong healthy decisions and actions and build health habits into the future.”
