4 tonnes of fresh fruit and veggies produced in regional and remote schools through innovative greenhouse program
Sydney, 16 December 2024: Food insecurity is a silent crisis sweeping across Australia, with 94% of Australian children failing to eat enough fresh fruit
and vegetables (CSIRO), and First Nations communities in remote areas facing staggering barriers to accessing affordable, healthy food (AIHW).
This past year, Food Laddee’s climate-controlled, hydroponic greenhouses in Australian schools helped produce nearly 4 tonnes of fresh fruit and
vegetables for students and their communities, supplementing 130,000 meals with the aim to improve health and learning outcomes.
Kelly McJannett, Food Ladder co-founder and CEO, said the not-for-profit program has created a lasting impact on student health, engagement, and
educational outcomes, while also building critical life and vocational skills.
“Across Australia, 40 schools are now part of the Food Ladder system, covering every state and territory, and more than 17,000 students are engaged with
hands-on experience of growing nutritious food – planting, nurturing, harvesting, and then taking that produce home back to their families,” she said.
“Importantly, 97.4% of educators have expressed high satisfaction with our program, recognising its positive impact on students’ health, attendance, and
overall engagement both in the greenhouse and the classroom.
“By working with schools to holistically integrate food production into their curriculums, Food Ladder is creating long-term impact by opening up employment
pathways in agri-tech and reducing the effects of poor diet and chronic diseases.”
Empowering students, transforming communities
In remote communities, food insecurity is compounded by the growing threat of climate change and 1.6°C of warming expected by 2055, on track to make large
parts of Australia’s farmland inhospitable.
“Our cutting-edge technology means Food Ladder’s systems are five times more efficient than traditional ground-based farming methods, allowing even the
most remote and disadvantaged communities to produce fresh food in harsh climates,” McJannett said.
“It’s amazing to see Food Ladder greenhouses become the cornerstone of local communities, with many schools forming partnerships with frontline services,
local businesses, and restaurants to make the impact go further – one school even raised $3,000 from selling their produce.”
By providing access to fresh, locally grown food, Food Ladder is not only addressing the immediate food security needs of communities but also teaching
the next generation the importance of healthy eating, sustainability, and innovation.