Bowen Gumlu Growers Association has been delivering the Pick of the Crop initiative to eligible schools across North Queensland since 2023. Pick of the Crop is a sustainable whole school healthy eating initiative developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state’s health promotion statutory agency. The Pick of the Crop initiative aims to increase the opportunities for primary school students in Queensland to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit. Positive and immersive learning experiences around veggies and fruit are critical to support children to continue eating veggies and fruit as they get older, providing long term healthy habits and health benefits. Our program coordinator Helena De Bortoli, works closely with participating schools to develop and implement actions suited to their school community across five Pick of the Crop components:
The future vision is for all Queensland primary schools to participate in the initiative and become part of the Pick of the Crop Community, to access evidence-based, relevant, and up-to-date resources, tools, and support for a healthier generation alpha.
To insure a sustainable whole school approach, we are working closely with community stakeholders such as local growers and industry suppliers, food and nutrition programs, and families who are key to inspire children to taste and eat more vegetables and fruit. If you are a NQ grower and want to be involved with supporting Pick of the Crop participating school(s), please contact Helena on 0476909648 or email pickofthecrop@bowengumlugrowers.com.au.
2024 Bowen & Burdekin pilot plant to plate show competition
Participating schools have used their own school garden produce and/or locally grown produce from our growers to create a healthy recipe for their tuckshop. Five delicious seasonal recipes were created by participating schools who entered the pilot. Tried and tested students gave their approval! Can’t get enough? Please download below to create their new seasonal tuckshop recipe at home.
To download the recipe cards to print click here.
