Prevention can start with something as simple as growing, tasting and cooking fresh food.
At The Willows State School in Townsville, Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Pick of the Crop initiative is helping make healthy eating part of everyday school life. Now in its second year, Pick of the Crop is embedded across the school, with students from Prep to Year 6 taking part in garden-based learning aligned with the Australian Curriculum.
Led by the school’s dedicated Pick of the Crop champion, Tim, students are learning how food is grown and exploring different production methods, including soil-based gardening and hydroponics. They’re also building practical skills through cooking experiences, including making flatbread and homemade dips using fresh ingredients harvested from the school garden.
Try it Tuesdays
A standout success has been ‘Try It Tuesdays’, where themed tasting sessions give students the opportunity to try different fruits, including melons, berries and grapes. Staff report strong enthusiasm, with students encouraged to discover new foods in a positive and hands-on environment.
The program also creates connections beyond the classroom. Produce grown in the school garden is donated to the tuckshop and sold through community produce stalls, helping students see how their learning can translate into real-world outcomes.
Strong partnerships with local businesses and community organisations are further supporting the school’s garden program.
The Willows demonstrates the prevention value of Pick of the Crop: helping children develop food knowledge, confidence and positive experiences with healthy foods early in life. By making healthy eating engaging, practical and part of the school environment, Pick of the Crop is helping lay the foundations for healthier futures.
Learn more about our Pick of the Crop program.
