A new partnership between Food Ladder and NGM Group's Greater Charitable Foundation is opening the door for schools across Southeast Queensland to join a national initiative that strengthens education, health, and community connection.
Through a multi-year grant, the Greater Charitable Foundation will provide $600,000 in funding to support nine low-ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) schools in the region to install Food Ladder's AI-enabled, climate- controlled hydroponic greenhouses over the next three years.
The Food Ladder greenhouses and ed-tech platform serve as hands-on learning hubs, where students get the chance to grow fresh produce on site, while building practical skills in science, health, and sustainability. The produce is used in school food programs and shared with families, improving access to nutritious food and supporting community wellbeing.
The expansion will increase Food Ladder's national reach by nearly 25%, reaching more than 3,150 students in Southeast Queensland alone.
“This partnership will allow more students to engage with a new way of learning that supports their wellbeing, incorporates emerging technologies like AI, and builds positive momentum across their school and community,” said Kelly McJannett, CEO and co-founder of Food Ladder.
“We're looking forward to working alongside Southeast Queensland schools to get started.”
Each participating school will receive tailored teaching resources, professional development, and access to a peer network of educators.
The program also includes Food Ladder's Seeding Success employment pathways initiative, which connects students' school-based experiences with further study and careers in agriculture and horticulture.
“We're proud to support Food Ladder's expansion into Southeast Queensland because we've seen the difference this program makes,” said Paul Juergens, Chief Distribution Officer at NGM Group.
“It gives students real skills, purpose, and the chance to contribute to something meaningful at school. This funding will help more young people feel confident in who they are and what they can achieve - now and into the future.”
Schools already using the Food Ladder model have seen transformational improvements in student engagement and school culture, including increases in attendance from 30% to 90% in some cases.
“Food Ladder has become a valued part of our school and has created new and desperately needed pathways to employment for our students in industries that they want to work in,” said Nathanael Edwards, Principal at Radiant Life College in Innisfail, North Queensland.
“Students are learning through experience, contributing to their community, and seeing their hard work produce real outcomes.”
Schools in Southeast Queensland are invited to register their interest now. For more information or to apply, visit this page.