At the 2024 National Education Summit in Melbourne, OzHarvest’s FEAST Program Manager, Amelia Berner, introduced educators to the transformative Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program. This innovative initiative, designed by OzHarvest, empowers teachers and students to bring sustainability into Australian classrooms in a practical and engaging way. FEAST is more than a curriculum; it’s a hands-on program that equips students with skills to tackle food waste, cook nutritious meals, and build a more sustainable future.
One of the standout successes following the summit is the inspiring story of Elisabetta Romano, a teacher at the NSW School of Languages. Elisabetta embraced the FEAST program and adapted it to suit her Italian language classes, teaching her students about food education, the environmental impact of food waste, and the joys of cooking healthy recipes – all in Italian! Her students didn’t just learn a language; they explored real-world issues, gained practical skills, and became inspired to take action.
What makes Elisabetta’s story even more powerful is its ripple effect. Her approach was so impactful that other faculties within her school adopted elements of the FEAST program. Even more exciting, her success sparked interest from an international partner school in Italy, showing just how far-reaching and adaptable FEAST can be.
“As educators, our role is to help students connect with real-world problems they care about and guide them to create meaningful change,” Elisabetta shared. Her work with FEAST does just that – inspiring her students to think critically, act sustainably, and engage deeply in their learning.
The FEAST program is designed to be flexible, engaging, and accessible. Teachers receive free, ready-to-use resources and professional training to bring sustainability to life in the classroom. And for schools with limited resources, OzHarvest offers extra support like kitchen kits, electric frypan sets, apron packs, and food vouchers to ensure all students can participate.
Elisabetta’s story proves how powerful a program like FEAST can be when passionate educators bring it to life. Are you ready to inspire your students and help them make a difference?
Sign up for FEAST today and access free curriculum resources, training, and support for your classroom. Together, we can empower the next generation to fight food waste and embrace sustainability.
Visit OzHarvest FEAST’s website to get started!
