Abstract

The Spephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) Project: What difference does it make?

Author(s)

Britt Johnson -McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne

Dr Lisa Gibbs -McCaughey Centre, VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing

Ms Karen Block -McCaughey Centre, VicHealth Centre for the Promotion of Mental Health and Community Wellbeing

Dr Petra Staiger -School of Psychology, Deakin University

Dr Mardie Townsend -School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University

Ms Susie Macfarlane -School of Psychology, Deakin University

Ms Lisa Gold -Public Health Research, Evaluation and Policy Cluster, Deakin University

School edible garden programs have been recognised as promising community-based initiatives for improving children's nutrition and environmental awareness. However, inclusion of a fully developed cooking component is less common and there is limited evidence for their effectiveness and potential to extend into the home and community environment. School kitchen garden programs act to link the garden, kitchen and table by engaging children to grow, harvest, cook and share fresh food.

This research aims to identify and explore the key impacts and outcomes of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program on participants including children, parents, teachers, volunteers and schools.

A longitudinal mixed methods approach was adopted. Data were collected for children, parents and teachers, from six program and six matched comparison schools. Qualitative data were also collected from the program sample. Comparative statistical analyses were employed to determine differences between the groups, while qualitative data was analysed by thematic inductive analyses. A unique addition to the methodology was the inclusion of economic evaluation of both invested resources and stakeholder values for the program

Multiple positive impacts emerged from exposure to the program for all participants. At the child level these included an increased willingness to try new foods, a greater sophistication in kitchen and garden knowledge and skills, as well as increases in student engagement. Program aspects were transferred to the home environment and also promoted community connectedness.

The SAKG program has the potential to positively influence not only children, but their parents, teachers, school and greater community.