Educate

FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training) – our curriculum aligned education program for schools, is proving to be a powerful catalyst for change. By bringing hands-on learning experiences into classrooms, we’re not just teaching skills – we’re inspiring the next generation of change-makers (over 80,000 students to date), all helping to make a difference to the national goal to halve food waste in Australia by 2030.

In just over a year, the high school program has rapidly expanded to over a quarter of Australian schools, demonstrating the urgent appetite for meaningful sustainability education. Our resources have been updated to align with the Australian Curriculum V9, embedding inclusivity and prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, ensuring a holistic and respectful approach to learning.

Teacher Emilly Duff from Sunbury Heights Primary School captured the impact of the program:

“FEAST has truly transformed the lives of our students, even the most disengaged students are now excited to attend school and are cooking at home. The program has sparked confidence, connection, and a sense of purpose in our students.”

Our national reach has been bolstered by exciting milestones, including welcoming the Federal and Tasmanian Education Ministers to cook alongside student change-makers and officially launching FEAST in Tasmania and the Northern Territory. With over 1,000 school enrolments and growing, we’re creating a nationwide movement of young people equipped to challenge food waste and create sustainable solutions.

In the words of a passionate year 7 advocate from San Sisto College:

“Every student in Australia should be learning about this stuff, I can’t wait to show what I know!”

In a time of rising living costs and growing food insecurity, our NEST program has emerged as a vital lifeline, transforming lives through nutrition education, cooking skills, and community connection. NEST reaches diverse communities, is not just teaching people how to cook, but providing essential tools for resilience in times of increased need.

This year saw remarkable growth, with the program scaling up nationally to respond to increased need.  Over 45 programs were delivered in Queensland and expansion into regional Australia through an innovative train-the-trainer model. From the Sunshine Coast to regional NSW, NEST is creating pathways to healthier, more sustainable living.

This is a powerful program for supporting marginalised communities. A Melbourne charity noted the unique value for non-permanent residents, highlighting how NEST provides critical nutrition education for those often excluded from other funded programs. One group at the local charity went on to create a regular community establishing their own cooking club!

A beautiful Brisbane participant shared how NEST impacted her life,

“It changed what and how we think about food, showing us how to save time and money and creating a healthy path for us and our kids.” 

NEST stands as a beacon of hope – proving that with the right skills, support, and education, everyone can access nutritious, affordable meals and build a more secure future.

Imagine a program that does more than just teach cooking – it builds lives, creates opportunities, and turns dreams into reality. That’s the magic of our Nourish program, where every student has a story of transformation.

This year, Nourish has taken massive strides, partnering with Allara Learning nationally to streamline and enhance the learning experience for our cohort of young people facing barriers to education. We’re not just teaching a Certificate II in Cookery – we’re creating pathways to hope, with incredible industry partnerships opening doors at companies like Canva, IHG, and Belmont 16’s, turning dreams into reality for many graduates.

Take the inspiring journey of our Sydney graduate – someone who deferred twice due to personal challenges but never gave up. Through sheer determination and the Nourish team’s support, they not only completed their qualification but found their calling, now working with a youth support organization and staying connected to the OzHarvest family.

In Newcastle, we celebrated Jed, a returning student from our very first cohort, who has not only completed their qualification but is now working full-time – proof that Nourish is about long-term transformation, not just short-term training.

Nourish is a launchpad for potential, a place where young people discover their strength, their voice, and their future, summarised perfectly by one student:

“Nourish has taught me social skills, and professional working skills. My voice is heard here, and I can contribute to what we cook. Nourish leads to bigger opportunities and I hope to get into full time work as an apprentice chef.”