2024 Lifetime Achievement Award The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation

Stephanie Alexander is a force of nature! She’s behind the much-loved, award-winning Stephanie’s Restaurant, the author of 18 books, and in 2004, she launched the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation.

In its 20th year, it’s now operating in more than 1,000 schools and early-learning centres around Australia, teaching children about growing, preparing, cooking and sharing delicious, seasonal food. Stephanie has launched hundreds of careers, inspired generations of home cooks and fundamentally transformed the way we think about food in Australia, and over a million children and their families and broader communities have benefitted over the past 20 years from the Kitchen Garden Program.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation inspires and equips educators to run a Kitchen Garden Program that fits the needs of their primary school, secondary school or early childhood service. Through fun, hands-on food education, it encourages children and young people to understand and connect with fresh, delicious food. This tactile approach empowers children and young people to develop practical skills, an appreciation of seasonal produce, and a positive, confident and healthy relationship with food — for life.

The benefits of learning in the kitchen and garden go well beyond just cooking and gardening. Student engagement and comprehension of subjects is enhanced, reluctant learners are encouraged to reconnect, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills are refined, environmental awareness is sparked, and opportunities to keep fit and practice mindfulness are in built.

To keep this brilliant legacy going, she’s launched the Food Education Drive, to raise money and generate awareness about the critical need to educate Australian children about food. Please do go and support it. 

You’re an inspiration, Stephanie! We’re right behind you.