Western District Kitchen Garden Project

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation is delivering a new community project in the Western District of Victoria, made possible through the generous support of the Handbury Foundation and Ace Radio. 

The Western District Kitchen Garden Project builds on the success and momentum of our community place-based work in the Southern Grampians and Glenelg Shires, as part of the Healthy Kids Advisors initiative which ran from 2021 to June 2024.

Working alongside local leaders, community groups and other impactful organisations in the area, the Western District Kitchen Garden Project provides free advice and hands-on support to all schools, early learning centres, sports clubs and other community-focused organisations in this region who want to boost healthy food solutions for children and their families. You do not have to be a member of the Kitchen Garden Program to receive our hands-on support.

Community-led goals

We understand that every community has unique needs. We’ll start by learning from local experts to design tailored solutions and focus on practical, enjoyable ways to incorporate more healthy, delicious, affordable food into daily life. Additionally, we aim to strengthen community networks by fostering connections with local businesses, producers, community gardens and farmers. 

Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through access to fresh, nutritious food.

Get involved!

Leaning on the Foundation’s 20 years of experience in pleasurable food education, this project is committed to community-led food systems change in the following regions: 

• Southern Grampians Shire
• Glenelg Shire
• Moyne Shire
• Edenhope 
• Willaura
• Lake Bolac

A taste of what to expect

Based locally, our Project Lead Monique Sobey is available to visit schools and family-focused settings to offer free, tailored advice. Driven by the Foundation’s 20 years of experience and our pleasurable food education approach, Monique can support with gardening, cooking and hands-on education so that fresh, seasonal and delicious food is centre stage.  

BOOK A TIME TO MEET

Need some more inspiration? In the past year, Monique has initiated and supported some incredible projects. Take a look:

• Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC) were supported to reinvigorate their kiosk with healthy, delicious food and drink options, allowing for more nutritious choices for their family visitors. HILAC has seen a 60% increase in sales, as young athletes rush to rejuvenate their energy with a cup of fresh seasonal fruit, homemade veggie pizzas and granola with yoghurt.
• The small school population of Branxholme Wallacedale Primary School have a long relationship with Monique. Together, they established a student-run canteen with healthy lunch options. The canteen promotes student leadership and has empowered the whole school community.
• Hamilton & Alexandra College also collaborated with Monique to boost the availability of healthy, delicious food options for their secondary students. These delicious menu changes encouraged fresh food variety for their young adults and teaching staff, with students frequently coming back for seconds.

Find out what the Western District Kitchen Garden Project can do for your school, business or setting. For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Project Lead Monique Sobey via monique.sobey@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au.