Budding chef Steven Pham showed off his culinary skills with renowned cook Stephanie Alexander at Sunshine North Primary School last week. 83407 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By NATALIE GALLENTI
IT was a case of move over Masterchef last week when students from Sunshine North Primary school donned aprons and created a delicious meal for legendary cook Stephanie Alexander.
Cook, restaurateur, food writer and champion of quality produce, Ms Alexander visited the school to announce a new partnership between her Kichen Garden Foundation and Medibank which will see $100,000 poured into the organisation.
Ms Alexander said the collaboration would allow more schools to take part in the program which involves schools across Australia growing and consuming their own produce.
She said 265 schools are presently involved in the program and it’s hoped that one day it will grow to 700 schools.
“We can now expand and move forward,” Ms Alexander said.
Sunshine North Primary School has been involved in the program for five years and principal Ken Ryan said the initiative had been a resounding success and has helped break down barriers between genders and cultural backgrounds.
Mr Ryan said the school’s garden and kitchen were always a hub of activity and a great place to learn.
“This is holistic learning. Our students are learning without even knowing they are,” he said.
“We grow our own food, we eat our own food and we sit down together and share a meal without the TV on in the background.
“We hope this flows onto the home. It’s a powerful program to have in the western suburbs.”
Parent and president of the school board Janine Kessegian said her daughter Sarah has become an avid cook, even at home.
Mrs Kessegian said often parents don’t have time to teach their children how to cook and the program gives them the opportunity to understand the benefits of home cooking and healthy produce.
“It’s something different , its hands on and out of the classroom.
“Sarah will bring home recipes and she won’t even let me make a salad.”
