Growing food, growing communities: Farm My School launch free workshop series

THE acclaimed Farm My School pilot project has launched a series of free workshops to arm families with practical and affordable ways to nourish themselves, their gardens and their families.

Taking place between September and March next year, the Nourish Workshop Series will feature seven cooking classes run by renowned authors and celebrity chefs, as well as two introductory gardening workshops to encourage community member to learn about growing their own food.

Farm My School co-founder James McLennan said the workshop series was motivated by the team’s desire to educate the broader community around food literacy, increase their access to nutrient dense food and share tips on how locally or home grown, seasonal produce can enhance their cooking and their health.

The workshops, which are fully funded by the Geelong Community Foundation, began last month with a dads and kids session hosted by 2023 Chef of the Year Jo Barrett.

“Everyone had a fantastic time. Jo even brought her dad along who was just lovely to have in the room and great energy to have,” Mr McLennan said.

“It just really encapsulated everything we wanted in terms of it was a simple recipe, but it was all about local produce and what happens if you can’t source that local produce, like where can we get it from? How can we use it? And just good cooking.”

Earlier this month, the Farm My School team were announced as one of four winners in Canon Oceania’s 2024 Grants Program, an initiative that recognises the positive impacts Australian organisations are making in their local communities.

The $5,000 grant – comprising $2,500 cash and $2,500 in Canon products including a camera, lens and tripod – that the team has received will be used to film the remaining Nourish Workshop Series sessions and share them with a broader audience.

“We’re transforming disused school land into regenerative market gardens to feed, nourish and educate communities – that’s impact,” he said.

“If we can capture and convey our stories to bring our audience with us on our journey – that’s real impact.

“Being the successful applicant for the 2024 Canon Oceania Grants Education category means we’ll now be able to achieve this.”

Canon Oceania managing director Kotaro Fukushima said by providing organisations such as Farm My School with the technology and resources they need, Canon Oceania aimed to inspire greater progress and strengthen connections throughout the country.

“Guided by our Kyosei philosophy [of living and working together for the common good], we’re committed to closing the technology divide, empowering more Australians to share their stories, connect with others and build essential skills.”

The next three Nourish workshops are already taking bookings, including a gardening session with McLennan on October 10 educating attendees on how to start their own herb garden and a session with fellow Farm My School co-founder Ben Shaw on November 16 covering edible gardens.

Matt Germanchis, Totti’s executive chef, is also set to host a cooking session with his Nonna for young foodies and their grandparents on October 17.

While McLennan isn’t yet able to reveal which other celebrity chefs will be involved in the program, he said there were some exciting announcements on the way and encouraged everyone to keep their eyes on the team’s website and socials.

The team is now also preparing to host a large community party on October 31 to celebrate the pilot program’s second birthday, with more details to come soon.

For more information on Farm My School, and to stay updated on its Nourish Workshop Series, head to farmmyschool.com