Australia: Costa Group supports regional schools

Ten regional schools in communities across Australia will be joining the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program in 2025 for the first time, as a result of Costa's new partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.

These schools are amongst the first to receive support through our three-year partnership, which will see a total of 30 schools or early childhood services welcomed into the kitchen garden community across Australia.

Costa Group CEO Marc Werner said one of the most important things Costa can do is contribute to improved health and wellbeing, which reduces the incidence of chronic disease and morbidity.

"We know that an effective way to do this is through educating children about the benefits of eating a balanced and nutritional diet, which includes regular serves of fresh fruit and vegetables, and we are delighted to be teaming up with the Foundation to support schools in our local communities," he said.

© Costa Group

Each of the schools and services will be based in a community where Costa has farms to foster connections between education, agriculture, our workforce, and the community.

The first schools to receive support are:

- Atherton State Primary School, QLD
- Mareeba State School, QLD
- East Devonport Primary School, TAS
- Our Lady of Lourdes, TAS
- Guyra Central School, NSW
- Kelly's Plains Public School, NSW
- Nairne Primary School, SA
- Nangiloc Colignan and District Primary School, SA
- Unity College, SA
- Loxton District Childcare Centre, SA

"Providing hands-on gardening and cooking experiences will not only help develop an understanding of plants and nutrition but also provide a safe, calming space to nurture student wellbeing." - Guyra Central School, NSW.

Each sponsored site will receive a two-year membership to the Kitchen Garden Program, providing the knowledge, support, and inspiration to these educators so they can empower children and young people to develop lifelong skills in growing, harvesting, preparing, and sharing fresh, seasonal food.