Fawkner Food Bowls School Garden Project is a community-led initiative that will connect local schools in Fawkner with the Fawkner Food Bowls urban farm to strengthen food education and local food systems. Through hands-on learning, the VicHealth funded project will support students to grow, harvest, cook and share fresh food while learning about sustainability, nutrition, and where food comes from.

Running from March 2026 to December 2027, the project will partner with 3–4 local primary and secondary schools, reaching more than 500 students, many from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Activities will include excursions to the Fawkner Food Bowls urban farm, the establishment of food gardens within schools, and teacher professional development to integrate food-growing and sustainability into everyday learning.

The program responds to high levels of food insecurity in the Fawkner community and to requests from teachers who want to run school gardening programs but lack the time, resources, and technical knowledge. By providing practical support, materials, and training, the project will transform underused school spaces into productive gardens and living classrooms.

The initiative aims to strengthen the local food system, improve access to fresh and culturally meaningful foods, and build social connection and community pride. Students will gain practical food-growing skills, teachers will develop confidence in delivering garden-based learning, and families will benefit from the knowledge, produce, and experiences children bring home.

By combining education, food growing, and community partnership, the Food Bowls School Garden Project will help nurture a healthier, more connected, and more resilient Fawkner community.

To get in touch, email the program coordinators and facilitators at fawknerfoodbowls.edu@gmail.com