General Mills Australia has announced its continued support of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, with a grant of over $100,000 ($75,000 USD) to teach healthy food habits to the next generation of Aussie school kids.
“Childhood obesity is a worrying public health issue in Australia, with data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showing one in four children, aged 4-15 years old are overweight.”
Since 2001, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation has been tackling the issue head on, through its Kitchen Garden Program, which focuses on food education.
“Teaching youngsters the joy and importance of preparing nourishing food through a unique hands-on and curriculum-linked approach, the Kitchen Garden Program aligns sustainable and healthy living principles outlined by the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO),” according to the company.
A well-respected leader in food education, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is now working in more than 1000 schools and early childhood services, reaching children in every Australian state and territory.
General Mills ANZ Managing Director Matt Salter says supporting the Kitchen Garden Program is a meaningful way to help Aussie kids establish healthy eating habits, while sharing the joy of food.
“At General Mills, we believe that every individual, family and community should be food secure and free from hunger,” Mr Salter. “The Kitchen Garden Program does a fantastic job in teaching young Australians how fresh produce gets from the paddock to the plate, providing them with life-long food preparation skills.
“Plus, it’s all about fun! Bringing joy to the table is something General Mills prides itself on. More than 97% of students who participate in the Kitchen Garden Program say they feel excited to go to school when the program is running. We know it works, which is why we’re proud to support the program for a third year.”
Chair of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, Ian Sanders, says the grant from General Mills will go a long way in supporting its food education program.
“Our vision is to help every Australian child form positive food habits, for life,” Mr Sanders said. “The critical funding provided by General Mills will go towards building kitchen and garden infrastructure in schools in low-socio economic areas, ensuring the Kitchen Garden Program reaches even more Aussie kids.”
For more information on the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, visit kitchengardenfoundation.org.au.
