OzHarvest’s education program FEAST (Food Education and Sustainability Training) has been recognised for its environmental achievements, winning the 2021 NSW Sustainability Connect Business of the Year award. Presented by the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE) NSW Chapter, this award shines a light on the innovative work being done in this sector to promote environmental stewardship and the Sustainable Development Goals in the broader community.
FEAST Program Manager, Amelia Berner said education is a huge part of creating positive change and helping to create a more sustainable future. “We feel so privileged and grateful to be nominated alongside such amazing organisations working in this space. FEAST has already inspired over 21,000 future change-makers in schools across the country and this wonderful recognition reinforces the environmental credibility of the program.”
Sue Martin, President and Public Officer of the NSW Chapter of AAEE said this is the first time we have nominated the Sustainability Connect Business of the Year. “I was impressed by how FEAST supports environmental, sustainability and wellbeing outcomes. It’s a wonderful way for schools and educators to achieve their sustainability goals, it truly represents the essence of this central hub and we are pleased to include it in our new Sustainability Connect business directory.”
OzHarvest developed FEAST to educate and inspire primary school-aged students (aged 9-12 years) about healthy eating, reducing food waste and sustainability. Students are tasked with designing a ‘School Cookbook’ to address these topics while educating and engaging their community. FEAST is aligned to the Australian Curriculum Key Learning Areas STEM and the cross-curriculum priority of Sustainability.
FEAST launched in NSW in 2019 and is now available in schools across the country. The program is a 2020 Banksia Sustainability Award winner, a Global Compact Network Australia SDG program, and has received international recognition by the peer-reviewed journal BMC Public Health. It actively targets 7 of the 17 Sustainability Development Goals.
