The Committee recommends that the Federal Government continue to support initiatives such as community garden projects, cooking classes and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, in order to teach children and adults about:
- The benefits of growing and eating fresh fruit and vegetables; and
- Preparing and enjoying healthy and nutritious meals.
Building on the success of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden National Program, noted in Weighing it up, the Australian Government has committed a further $5.4 million (GST Exclusive) over 3 years from 1 July 2012, in addition to the previously committed $12.8 million announced in the 2008-09 budget. The program to date has reached 178 schools nationally and aims to reach up to 400 new schools by 2014-15.
The Australian Government is also providing $71.8 million through the Healthy Communities initiative of the National Partnership Agreement on Preventive Health. Healthy Communities supports local government areas to deliver effective community-based physical activity and dietary education programs as well as developing supportive environments for healthy lifestyle behaviours. Although these programs vary according to the needs of the communities, many involve community garden projects, cooking classes and even shopping trips to help consumers better understand how to make good food choices in the supermarket.
Also under the National Partnership, the Healthy Children initiative is providing up to $325.9 million from the Australian Government to the states and territories to implement programs and activities that promote greater levels of physical activity and better nutrition. Programs and activities will be delivered in settings such as child care centres, preschools, schools, multi-disciplinary service sites and family centres and will be targeted to children and young people aged from birth to 16 years of age. This funding has now been allocated and activities, which are detailed in state and territory implementation plans, have commenced. These plans can be accessed at: Federal Financial Relations website.
Following the success of the Australian Government’s Building Healthy Communities program in rural and remote areas, the Australian Government has also provided $18 million from January 2010 to June 2013 to fund 34 projects under the Rural Primary Health Services Program's Preventative Health Initiative. The 34 projects are developing the capacity of small rural and remote communities through activities such as developing community gardens, community kitchens, cookbooks using local produce including bush foods, healthy eating programs in remote schools and training local people to lead healthy eating and physical activity programs. Resources developed as part of the Preventative Health Initiative can be adapted for use by community groups who are interested in improving health in their own local area.