Meaningful change does not happen alone.
Partnerships are key for Farm My School to thrive and to grow. With a shared vision, generosity, and collaboration we are creating transformative learning opportunities and strengthening the communities we serve.
Together we grow more than food.
Amy Waters, CEO of Geelong Community Foundation chatted with Farm My School's Marketing and Communications Manager, Jacqui Taylor, recently about their ongoing partnership, support for Farm My School.
FMS: Tell us about your organisation and what you do?
AW: The Geelong Community Foundation is a place-based philanthropic organisation working to create a more connected, fair and thriving Geelong. We do this by encouraging community giving and by identifying, supporting and strengthening local charities that are delivering meaningful impact across our region.
FMS: How is your organisation partnering with Farm My School?
AW: The Geelong Community Foundation has partnered with Farm My School through a series of grants over several years. This has included early support for the development of their fruit and vegetable hub, including capital equipment to wash and process produce for their food boxes, as well as funding for programs such as Nourish.
More recently, we provided an $80,000 grant to support the Farmer Trainee Program, along with capital investment in infrastructure such as a new polytunnel. We are now transitioning into a longer-term partnership, supporting Farm My School’s growth and impact across the Geelong region.
FMS: Why is supporting local food systems and food education important to you and your organisation?
AW: Supporting local food systems and food education is critically important to us because access to nutritious food is a foundational element of both physical and mental wellbeing.
We recognise that our current food system is not working for everyone. Many members of our community – particularly those experiencing vulnerability – do not have consistent access to high-quality, nutritious food. This has significant impacts on health, wellbeing, and life outcomes. By supporting local, community-driven food initiatives, we can help address these challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way.
FMS: What impact do you hope to see from your involvement with Farm My School?
AW: We hope to see improved access to fresh, healthy food for the community, alongside stronger education and employment pathways for young people.
Farm My School delivers impact across multiple areas – from food security and health to education, land regeneration and skills development. We’re particularly excited to see how their work continues to create opportunities for young people while strengthening the local food system.
FMS: Would you encourage other organisations to get involved? Why?
AW: Absolutely. One of the things we value most about our partnership with Farm My School is that it is genuinely collaborative – it’s not a one-way relationship.
The team brings partners into the work in a meaningful way, creating a strong sense of shared purpose and impact. There is also something for everyone within their model, whether your interest lies in food systems, environmental outcomes, education, employment pathways or community health. It’s a highly impactful and rewarding partnership to be part of.
FMS: What would you like to see Farm My School achieve in the next five years?
AW: Over the next five years, we would love to see Farm My School expand to a third, and potentially a fourth site across the Geelong region.
Their model has proven to be both effective and scalable, offering powerful engagement opportunities for schools and communities. With increasing demand for food relief and growing cost-of-living pressures, expanding their reach would significantly improve access to healthy food, while also creating more opportunities for education and employment pathways for young people and their families.
If you are interested in partnering with Farm My School then email michelle@farmmyschool.com.au.
Learn more about Geelong Community Foundation and visit https://www.geelongfoundation.org.
