Wirrigirri Primary School’s Grow & Graze initiative will establish a Kitchen Garden Program that complements the school’s universal school meals program. The garden will give students the opportunity to grow and harvest fresh produce that supports the meals they eat at school, bringing learning to life through connection to food, culture and community.

This initiative will add rich value to students and school community. It supports the curriculum in Science, Health, and Sustainability while also building student agency, resilience and social connection. The program will be inclusive and culturally responsive, with students learning about food systems, sustainability, and the cultural significance of different foods through hands-on experiences.

What makes this project truly innovative is its full integration into a universal school meals program. Students will grow, prepare and share food daily in a way that embeds food literacy into the rhythm of school life. This is not just a garden for gardenings sake. It is a deeply connected teaching and wellbeing tool that reduces stigma, builds confidence, and promotes life-long habits around food and care.