It is inevitable that as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden project grows and grows my role has changed. This month we will be celebrating as our 500th school joins the family. From just one school in 2001.

I am still the face and voice requested at numerous gatherings where I can expound on the philosophy and history for as long as required. I sit on the Board, I am part of several sub-committees, but it is so important to actually get out and talk to the students, listen to the teachers, admire the efforts of community action. Over the last month I have seen so much.

So many schools. So different from one another. Urban, regional, remote. Some are wonderfully well equipped, others are just starting their journey. The common feature was enthusiasm and smiling faces. I returned home tired but satisfied that we are engaged in a very valuable program with its aim of encouraging behavioural change in the food habits of young Australian children.

Here are a few observations I jotted down during my recent travels…

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