Students at Kimberley College are among the first students in Queensland to complete OzHarvest’s new food education and sustainability training (FEAST) program.
The curriculum aligned program aims to inspire kids to eat healthy food, waste less and become change-makers in their local communities, with Kimberley College one of 24 schools across the state running the program this year.
OzHarvest Queensland state manager Anthony Dunne said FEAST was developed after identifying an opportunity in the curriculum for a sustainability program that addressed food waste and healthy eating.
“When it comes to fighting food waste, kids are the future change-makers and are extremely passionate about protecting the planet. Like any good FEAST, it’s designed to be fun, engaging and filled with good food! It’s great to see schools in Queensland registering for the program and see the impact kids can have in their local communities,” Dunne said.
The program is supported by a private philanthropic foundation who are offering primary schools assistance to bring the food waste program to the first 50 schools that enrol.
FEAST ambassador Sofie Formica highlighted the importance of the program, stating it helps raise awareness about FEAST and encourage Queensland schools to sign up for the program.
“Sadly, more than a third of the average household bin is food waste. FEAST can have a real and positive impact on reducing the amount of food going to landfill and how to get creative with your food at home. I can’t wait to see how this program inspires kids to eat healthier, waste less, and share their new knowledge with others,” Formica said.
In addition, year 5 and 6 teacher at Kimberly College Todd Heffernan said that FEAST was one of the most rewarding experiences of the year.
“Our students had the time of their lives learning how to create their own recipes and cooking together. We definitely noticed a change in their commitment to reducing their food waste, eating more fruit and vegetables and we are now composting at Kimberley College,” he said.
Schools can run FEAST for 7-10 weeks and it is aligned to the Australian curriculum STEM and English learning areas.
