MONBULK Primary School’s kitchen and garden program was officially kicked off last Wednesday with the presentation of a red watering can.
The school recently joined forces with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, which promotes growing, harvesting, cooking and sharing food among young children.
Staff and students set up the garden earlier this year and have watched it grow into a range of fruit and vegetables.
The students then learn how to cook each vegetable in the new kitchen, which was completed at the start of term four.
Sue Brooks, the school’s cooking co-ordinator, said the Grade 2 to Grade 6 students have enjoyed the classes immensely.
“They love it and it’s fantastic to see,” she said.
“Some of the kids have never seen a pea before and now they’re learning how to grow and harvest it.”
She said the students spend an hour and a half each week in the cooking and gardening class.
Josie Charles from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation said the aim of the program was for children to be involved in every aspect of cooking and do so in a pleasurable way and congratulated the school for being a part of it.
“It’s a great achievement because this is a really big program,” she said.
The school is currently looking for people in the community to volunteer and help out in the cooking sessions.
There are five sessions a week, each requiring three volunteers.
All that is required is a working with children check and volunteers can do as many or as few rosters as they like.
For more information, call Monbulk Primary School on 9756 6481.
