The students of Alawa Primary School officially launch their new kitchen garden.
Date: 09 June 2010
Senator Trish Crossin will today help the students of Alawa Primary School officially launch their brand new Kitchen Garden on school grounds.
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is an initiative by chef Stephanie Alexander OAM and supported by the Australian Government to encourage primary school students from years 3-6 to grow, harvest, cook and share fresh food.
The Rudd Government has committed $12.8 million over four years for up to 190 government primary schools nationally to participate.
"Children learn best by getting involved and through positive examples. This program aims to improve nutrition and develop life-long healthy eating habits by teaching kids about growing, preparing and sharing healthy food," Senator Crossin said.
Each state and territory has one demonstration school which will be a model for other interested schools. Alawa Primary School is the demonstration school for the Northern Territory.
Each participating school will receive one-off funding of up to $60,000 to cover infrastructure costs associated with building kitchens and gardens.
"The Rudd Government is serious about tackling childhood obesity. The fight against the obesity epidemic starts with our children - and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program is an innovative and practical way of getting children involved and developing healthy habits for life," Senator Crossin said.