FOUR lucky children can get crafty in the kitchen, thanks to a generous donation by some Ballarat businesses.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Delacombe Primary School pupils Justin, 11, Piper, 9, Jack, 8 and Jake, 11, have each received a scholarship to participate in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
The fresh food initiative has been running at the school for about four years.
The Western’s Dan Cronin made a $100 donation for the scholarships, as well as $350, which was raised from the pub’s meat tray raffles.
Masters in Wendouree also donated $800 worth of equipment, including wheelbarrows, cement and shovels, for the children.
The program costs pupils $25 each to participate.
Program coordinator Maree Demeye said enthusiastic children who were committed to the program were selected for the scholarship.
“We chose students who showed promise and were really, really enthusiastic about the program,” she said.
Each year the school awards two scholarships for pupils to participate, but this is the first year four pupils have received a scholarship.
All 300 pupils at the school, from prep to grade six, get the opportunity to participate in the program.
School captain Serena said her favourite food to cook had been potato gnocchi.
Piper, 9, was pleased to plant food that she could use in the kitchen.
Jack, 8, said the program had allowed him to try new foods.
“I’ve tried beetroot, lettuce, celery and kale,” he said.
Pupils are encouraged to prepare meals in the kitchen using the ingredients from their on-site garden.
So far the mini Masterchefs have whipped up kale and parmesan chips and beetroot and chocolate muffins.
Mr Cronin said he was amazed by the pupil’s efforts.
“I was amazed when I saw the kids working together,” he said.
“They were eating food I did not expect them to eat at their age, like cauliflower, kale and all the stuff out of the garden.”
The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program has been operating in Australian primary schools since 2001.
Ms Alexander has a vision for food education to be accessible in every primary school, country-wide.
Hundreds of thousands of Australian children, from 835 schools, are currently participating in the program.
