How are vegetable gardens used, managed and resourced in Australian primary schools? A mixed-methods study

Urban Farm DB summary

School gardens are an effective strategy for food literacy and for promoting healthy eating and environmental health, yet inadequate funding, time and training stop many schools implementing or properly using one. This mixed-methods study surveyed 111 Australian primary school staff online and interviewed 13 Victorian primary teachers. Ninety per cent of respondents worked at a school with a food garden, but how well it was used varied widely. Responsibility for managing and maintaining the garden fell mainly on students and classroom teachers, with some schools relying heavily on volunteers. Healthy eating and environmental sustainability were the usual focus, and gardens also taught life and social skills — but many teachers reported the garden was poorly integrated into the curriculum. Time and funding were the most commonly reported barriers, though many schools showed resilience by drawing on existing community connections and adopting cost-reducing practices. The authors conclude that targeted teacher training, leadership support, community involvement and cost-reducing strategies would help.