KidsGrow KidsCook: Accessible gardening and cooking for NSW primary schools

INTRODUCTION- KidsGrow KidsCook (KGKC) was a 12-month pilot gardening and cooking program with full linkages to NSW Key Learning Areas (KLA's) aiming to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by children. KGKC was accessible for schools with varied resources, through the identification of three gardening and cooking models. METHODS- KGKC was piloted with 16 primary schools in the Greater Southern Area of NSW. A literature review and survey guided the development of garden models and curriculum resources. Project Teams (PT's) were formed at each school. Schools were provided with small grants for infrastructure. They were also given teacher resources and access to local level and helpline support. The evaluation, conducted by NSW Health, consisted of four survey types. RESULTS- Fifteen schools completed the pilot. Gardening and cooking in the classroom occurred in each school with lessons integrated into KLA's. School capacity to implement KGKC increased through infrastructure development and a curriculum resource, and improved parent and community involvement in fruit and vegetable activities in the schools. PT surveys reported observed change in children's knowledge, skills and behaviour around fruit, vegetables, healthy eating and cooking. DISCUSSION- Success depends on teacher resources, community linkages, and integration into the curriculum married with other support such as phone or e-mail check-ins. Learnings will be instrumental in the development of gardening and cooking programs in schools across Australia. Gardening and cooking programs in primary schools can be attainable and fully integrated into the existing NSW school curriculum, helping to create a whole-school approach to health.