The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is an Australian nonprofit organization established in 2004 by renowned cook Stephanie Alexander AO. It aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Australia through pleasurable food education, combining gardening, cooking, and sharing fresh, culturally diverse food[4][5].

History and Background

The Foundation originated from Stephanie Alexander’s early work beginning in 2001 with a comprehensive gardening and cooking program at Collingwood College, an inner-city school in Melbourne. This initial pilot program's success and widespread interest led to the formal establishment of the Foundation in 2004, supported by philanthropic foundations, individuals, and government funding[3][5].

In 2014, Stephanie Alexander was honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of the Foundation’s impact. By 2016, the Foundation's Kitchen Garden Program had been incorporated into over 11% of Australian primary schools—surpassing its initial target of 10% representation by 2015—and was active in more than 1,000 schools and learning spaces nationwide[3].

The program has since expanded to include pilot programs for Early Childhood and Secondary Years, making pleasurable food education accessible throughout all school levels[3].

Vision and Mission

The Foundation’s vision is healthy children and young people living in sustainable communities across Australia. Its mission focuses on enabling children and young people to develop positive lifelong food habits through hands-on learning experiences[5].

Programs and Approach

The core offering is the Kitchen Garden Program, a globally recognized, evidence-based curriculum that equips children with skills to grow, harvest, prepare, and share fresh and affordable food. The program emphasizes cultural inclusivity, sustainability, and wellbeing, aligning with broader goals such as climate action, mental health, and social connectedness[1][4][5].

The Foundation supports schools and communities by providing:

• Educational resources and training for educators
• Ongoing professional development
• Peer networking and community support
• Engagement with local government, businesses, and volunteers[1][2][5]

The program is designed to be culturally inclusive, celebrating migrant and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It also addresses challenges faced by low-socioeconomic and at-risk communities. Additional benefits include increased green spaces, non-competitive physical activity, mental health support, local food security, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals[1].

Impact and Partnerships

The Foundation has cultivated strong partnerships with schools, local health networks, and primary health organizations, fostering cooperation to enhance children's food education and wellbeing. It also contributes pathways into careers in agriculture, horticulture, hospitality, and STEM fields[1][5].

Summary

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming children's relationships with food through enjoyable, practical education programs. By integrating gardening and cooking into school curricula and communities, it promotes health, sustainability, cultural appreciation, and lifelong skills for Australian children and young people.

Abbreviation: ABN 74 107 809 030 RR0001
Founded: 2004
Founder: Stephanie Alexander AO
Country: Australia

[1] https://www.education.gov.au/system/files/consultations/Stephanie%20Alexander%20Kitchen%20Garden%20Foundation.pdf [2] https://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au/content/about-us [3] https://www.stephaniealexander.com.au/about-me/kitchen-garden-foundation/ [4] https://www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au [5] https://hundred.org/en/innovations/the-stephanie-alexander-kitchen-garden-program