The Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI) at the University of Wollongong has won a bid to evaluate the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Project that aims to positively influence food choices among children.

 

Implemented in over 100 Australian primary schools, the government-funded project teaches students from years 3 - 6 how to grow, harvest and prepare fresh food. Its philosophy centres on engaging and memorable food experiences to reinforce healthy, lifelong eating habits.

 

According to lead investigator Associate Professor Heather Yeatman, the task of measuring the program’s effective outcomes will be complex.

 

“It won’t be easy, as there’s a lot that goes on at the school level and many schools are involved in a number of programs,” Professor Yeatman said.

 

“We are currently developing our evaluation tools but are confident that if there are any changes underway, we will be able to identify the patterns and trends,” she said.

 

Four years after the program’s rollout into schools, the research team will assess a variety of factors including changes to food preferences, lifestyle, behaviour and cooking skills, to determine its positive reach.

 

Broader implications for students’ academic performance in reference to Key Learning Areas will also be considered.

 

It is hoped that the $12.8 million preventative health program can contribute to other national policy agendas such as social inclusion and core curricula.

 

Researchers have met government representatives in Canberra and plan to host a national workshop later in the year. The next few months will be committed to a national tour of 50 schools, data analysis and collection.

 

The UOW research team will be led by Professor Yeatman, together with Senior Research Fellow Karen Quinsey. Research team members include Dr Deanne Condon-Paoloni (Health Sciences), Dr Wendy Nielsen (Education) and participating AHSRI personnel.