Education from the ground up
Food Ladder grew from a kernel of an idea by founders Alex Shead and Kelly McJannett.
Alex was determined to use business to create social change. As a social change specialist, Kelly saw kids struggling to concentrate in class because they were hungry and understood the macro impact of food security. By joining forces, they found a way to combine agricultural technology and teaching systems to create lasting social change.
From the first greenhouse installation, both realised this was a powerful way to reframe food choices for the next generation.
Now, Food Ladder is actively changing minds in every Australian state and territory. Some projects are similar to that first greenhouse. Others use state-of-the-art hydroponics without soil. We even have programs which uses traditional ‘in ground’ planting.
Food Ladder’s recent growth is impressive. But, to us, it’s just the first green shoots.
Our Beliefs
We provide the building blocks to access fresh food
By growing food locally, we help address affordability, quality and availability issues.
We create a safe space for children and teachers
Our projects are structured, pre-planned and educational, sparking joy in students and offering support and relief to teachers.
We teach valuable life skills
Our solution enables students to pursue careers in STEM and agriculture.
We inspire change
We have generational impact, ensuring healthier future Australian populations.
Our Values
Innovative
We are tech agnostic, with our solution originating from the application of technology in a unique way, never done before.
Optimistic
We bring joy through transformative experiences.
Nurturing
We educate kids on how to produce, prepare and preserve crops, empowering them to make healthy food choices.
Collaborative
Community and morality is at the heart of everything we do. We encourage teachers, kids, and community members to get involved and get excited.
Growing at schools near you
Schools are the heart of Food Ladder. Without them, children would continue misunderstanding food. On this interactive map you can see schools currently using a Food Ladder system (the green pins) plus our planned locations (the yellow pins). To view details simply click on the pin.