Why Food Education for Kids Matters

Ever noticed how much kids love digging in the dirt? There’s something about getting their hands into the soil that helps them understand where their veggies come from – and that’s where food education comes in.

But what exactly is food education, and why does it matter?

More than just teaching cooking, food education cultivates curiosity about fresh ingredients, sustainability, and the deep connection between what we eat and how we feel. It teaches kids not just what to eat but why and how to eat well.

Studies show that kids with access to food education in school are more likely to try new fruits and veggies, even at home. So, that beetroot you’ve been trying to convince them to eat? They might just give it a try after they’ve helped harvest it with their classmates and grated it into a bright pink risotto. 

From the garden to the kitchen, food education gives kids the tools to make positive choices that will last a lifetime.

In 2004, Stephanie Alexander AO, the much-loved cook and food writer, established the Kitchen Garden Foundation in Australia to support children and young people in receiving food education through fun, engaging, culturally inclusive kitchen and garden classes.

The Foundation’s impactful Kitchen Garden Program is well-known around the world and was ahead of its time when it was formed 20 years ago. In the garden, kids discover the satisfaction of planting a seed, nurturing it and harvesting it to eat. In the kitchen, the process of chopping, weighing, stirring and seasoning becomes a fun, interactive experience that teaches fine motor skills and creativity.  

From the first taste of a school-grown carrot to the joy of making pasta with friends, food education creates a connection between children, food and the world around them.

As Stephanie Alexander, founder of the Kitchen Garden Foundation, explains, “There is nothing more successful in influencing behaviour than having repeated exposure to something that you find enjoyable. Even better, when this is also enjoyed by those you love and respect.”

Cooking what you grow

Imagine this: a group of young students, gardening gloves on, tending to their little patch of tomatoes, capsicums and basil. As they water, weed and wait for their crop to ripen, they start to connect the effort it takes to grow something and the joy of eating it. Plus, they’re learning valuable skills like responsibility, patience and teamwork.

Kids discover how to grow food in alignment with the seasons and their local environment. They get a moment to slow down and absorb the benefits of green space, and feel a sense of purpose by taking action on climate change by reducing food waste through composting.

But getting dirty in the veggie patch isn’t just about the plants – it’s about planting the seeds for improved food choices. 

When kids are involved in preparing meals with their friends and the produce they’ve helped nurture, they become more invested in what’s on their plate. This collaborative approach reinforces the idea that cooking is a meaningful, enjoyable activity that brings people together. It’s also an opportunity to learn about making healthy choices in a natural and fun way. The teamwork and inclusivity they experience boost their confidence in preparing and sharing food that reflects their culture and community. 

Why food education works

Food education isn’t just cooking and gardening. It prepares children for life, teaching them resilience, celebrating diversity, and connecting communities. It’s the type of education you can’t just learn from a book—it’s something you need to experience.

At its core, food education is about fostering a relationship with the food cycle that goes beyond what’s on the plate—it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking, and great conversations that happen along the way.

Whether discussing what makes soil healthy, why bees are so important, how to shoo away those pesky cabbage moths, or how to prepare a colourful salad, food education encourages kids to ask questions, problem-solve, and explore the world around them—and that curiosity is the key to developing memories and lifelong healthy habits.

Learning through hands-on kitchen and garden experiences makes many topics more exciting and easier to understand, from reading and maths to STEAM. Being outside a traditional classroom sparks interest and helps even the most reluctant learners reconnect.

Food education is a powerful tool for shaping a healthier, happier future for our kids. The good news is that this hands-on learning isn’t just great for kids. It spills over into family life and connects kids to their community—a win-win for everyone.

With a little dirt under their nails and some school-grown veggies on their plates, your kids will be learning valuable lessons they’ll carry with them for years to come. 

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Keen to learn more about food education? Download a free recipe booklet from the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation or support their Food Education Drive (FED), a national fundraiser to raise awareness about the critical need to educate all Australian children about where their food comes from and how to live healthy, resilient and happy lives.