Coles Margaret River has awarded Margaret River Independent School a $5,000 donation and three-year membership to help implement the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) cooking program at the school.
The donation will help Margaret River Independent School install a new kitchen garden full of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as kitchen essentials, including appliances, cookware, and pantry items.
The program teaches children where their food comes from and to love fresh, healthy, delicious food.
- Marcelle Coakley
With one in four Australian children either overweight or obese, the Kitchen Garden education-based program operates in more than 2,000 schools and early learning centres across Australia and teaches children and their families how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food
Principal Wendy Roediger said the donation would go a long way.
"The donation allows us to kickstart exploring our local history through the kitchen and associated garden, by initiating a 'Bush to Bowl' garden program, while helping our students develop a healthy relationship with food and the environment," Ms Roediger said.
SAKG WA Support Officer Marcelle Coakley was delighted that the partnership with Coles was helping more kids to eat fresh food.
"The program teaches children where their food comes from and to love fresh, healthy, delicious food. We are delighted that this partnership with Coles in WA has allowed us to expand our program to students at Margaret River Independent School," she said.
Coles Margaret River Store Manager Lindsay Hill said it will be great to see local families put more fresh fruit and veg in their baskets.
"It was really great to visit the school and see how this new program will teach children to prepare, enjoy and love fresh healthy food. We're looking forward to supporting the school on their journey and seeing some little chefs with their shopping lists come and visit us in store."
Founded by Australian chef Stephanie Alexander AO, the SAKG Foundation reaches more than 250,000 Australian children. Coles recently launched a three-year partnership with the charity in February.