EON Foundation builds edible gardens in remote Aboriginal schools and communities for a secure supply of fresh fruit and vegetables. The foundation also delivers hands-on, fun nutrition and gardening education to empower children with lifelong skills and habits.
Thanks to Telethon funding, EON has expanded its Thriving Communities Program to Rangeway Primary School in Geraldton, where more than 85 per cent of students are disadvantaged.
EON chief executive Kathryn Taylor said the program not only ensured vulnerable children had enough to eat; it was having long-term health impacts.
“There is a ripple effect throughout communities when kids are eating healthy, nutritious food, from being able to turn up and learn and concentrate in class, to better health,” she said.
Aliarna Comery from Rangeway Primary School. Credit: Briar Reynolds
“Good nutrition means some diseases are preventable, such as type two diabetes which is at pandemic levels throughout Aboriginal communities.
“Kids are learning through curiosity and fun in a beautiful safe environment; they are getting to taste and experiment and feel a sense of pride.”
Ms Taylor said the cost-of-living crisis meant food insecurity also impacted families in middle to high socioeconomic areas, who struggled to put nutritious food on the table.
“It comes down to affordability, one of the first things in a family budget to go when things get tight is fresh fruit and veg because often it’s not affordable, and prices are sky high in some of these areas,” she said.
“But, of course, it’s affordable to grow your own so this (program) is easy access, sustainable and affordable.”
“We wouldn’t have been able to start at Rangeway if not for Telethon so it is absolutely vital in terms of outcomes.”
Thanks to the funding EON supported 173 children and delivered 182 lessons at Rangeway Primary School. It was one of 11 beneficiaries in the food security space.
First published by The West Australian.