About us
Farm My School is a not-for-profit organisation which collaborates with schools to transform their underutilised grounds into regenerative farms that nourish, educate and connect communities.
Our Purpose
Inspired by a vision of a healthier future for our communities and planet, we're redefining how farming and food production can shape education, inspire, and foster stronger connections within communities.
Our unique approach goes beyond farming - it’s about transforming the way we educate, engage and consume food.
The model
A regenerative farm educating, nourishing and connecting communities
Education
The farm serves as an outdoor learning classroom, offering diverse opportunities including:
Inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning
Our curriculum development is centred around nurturing young minds. We guide students on a journey to discover how to grow food, delve into ecosystem stewardship, and explore the art of cooking. Our approach spans various subjects, fostering inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning that fulfils STEM/STEAM outcomes.
Promoting health and wellbeing
We prioritise health and wellbeing, boosting students’ confidence, resilience and self-esteem. We encourage students, families and neighbours to embrace life-long patterns of healthy eating and food literacy.
Volunteering and leadership development
Students engage in volunteering, leadership development, future job skills training and community building experience that prepare them for a bright future.
Enhancing school-community collaborations
Our program fosters increased school-community collaborations, leading to healthy and engaged relationships.
Farmer incubator program
Our Farmer Incubator Program is dedicated to training the next generation of regenerative farmers and will involve developing, certifying and delivering Vocational Education via a Regenerative Farming subject to school based trainees.
Food
By connecting farmers with schools, and partnering with local businesses, the program aims to provide healthy, organic produce to school families, the canteen, local residents, whilst also creating thriving neighbourhood hubs where learning, sharing, and connecting are at its core.
Fresh produce for school canteen
We take pride in providing the school canteen with an array of fresh produce from the farm, giving students and staff access to wholesome, nutritionally dense meals. By prioritising seasonal and locally-sourced options, we support the wellbeing of the school community.
Produce boxes
Our produce boxes are both nourishing and delicious. Packed with vibrant, organic vegetables, the boxes make healthy eating a delightful experience - promising flavour, nutrition and also contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. Order your box here.
Surplus food sold to the community & restaurants
We understand the value of minimising food waste. That’s why surplus seasonal food is sold directly to the local community through pop-up markets and farmers' markets as well as directly to restaurants who support the program.This supports the sustainability of our farms and further promotes the farm-to-table ethos.
Community
We’re not just about growing food, we’re transforming school communities. Our approach encompasses initiatives that shape a vibrant, thriving community.
Increased student engagement
We believe the best way to learn is by doing. Students have the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences on the farm. This engagement broadens their horizons and instils a sense of purpose within the community.
Environmental benefits
Reducing waste and sourcing locally not only reduces our environmental impact but also inspires others to follow in our footsteps. Other positive outcomes include environmental stewardship, soil health, improved biodiversity, circular economies and waste management.
Fostering community resilience
We’re building community resilience by supporting local farmers. By doing so, we promote food security and contribute to the wellbeing of the community.
Promoting healthy eating
Our commitment to healthy eating extends beyond the school. With our produce boxes and supplying fresh produce to the school canteen, we empower families to adopt a lifestyle around nutritious, locally-sourced ingredients. This approach ensures that our community thrives on healthy food both at home and in school.
The farm serves as an outdoor learning classroom, offering diverse opportunities including:
Inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning
Our curriculum development is centred around nurturing young minds. We guide students on a journey to discover how to grow food, delve into ecosystem stewardship, and explore the art of cooking. Our approach spans various subjects, fostering inquiry-based and cross-curricular learning that fulfils STEM/STEAM outcomes.
Promoting health and wellbeing
We prioritise health and wellbeing, boosting students’ confidence, resilience and self-esteem. We encourage students, families and neighbours to embrace life-long patterns of healthy eating and food literacy.
Volunteering and leadership development
Students engage in volunteering, leadership development, future job skills training and community building experience that prepare them for a bright future.
Enhancing school-community collaborations
Our program fosters increased school-community collaborations, leading to healthy and engaged relationships.
Farmer incubator program
Our Farmer Incubator Program is dedicated to training the next generation of regenerative farmers and will involve developing, certifying and delivering Vocational Education via a Regenerative Farming subject to school based trainees.
By connecting farmers with schools, and partnering with local businesses, the program aims to provide healthy, organic produce to school families, the canteen, local residents, whilst also creating thriving neighbourhood hubs where learning, sharing, and connecting are at its core.
Fresh produce for school canteen
We take pride in providing the school canteen with an array of fresh produce from the farm, giving students and staff access to wholesome, nutritionally dense meals. By prioritising seasonal and locally-sourced options, we support the wellbeing of the school community.
Produce boxes
Our produce boxes are both nourishing and delicious. Packed with vibrant, organic vegetables, the boxes make healthy eating a delightful experience - promising flavour, nutrition and also contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. Order your box here.
Surplus food sold to the community & restaurants
We understand the value of minimising food waste. That’s why surplus seasonal food is sold directly to the local community through pop-up markets and farmers' markets as well as directly to restaurants who support the program.This supports the sustainability of our farms and further promotes the farm-to-table ethos.
We’re not just about growing food, we’re transforming school communities. Our approach encompasses initiatives that shape a vibrant, thriving community.
Increased student engagement
We believe the best way to learn is by doing. Students have the opportunity to have hands-on learning experiences on the farm. This engagement broadens their horizons and instils a sense of purpose within the community.
Environmental benefits
Reducing waste and sourcing locally not only reduces our environmental impact but also inspires others to follow in our footsteps. Other positive outcomes include environmental stewardship, soil health, improved biodiversity, circular economies and waste management.
Fostering community resilience
We’re building community resilience by supporting local farmers. By doing so, we promote food security and contribute to the wellbeing of the community.
Promoting healthy eating
Our commitment to healthy eating extends beyond the school. With our produce boxes and supplying fresh produce to the school canteen, we empower families to adopt a lifestyle around nutritious, locally-sourced ingredients. This approach ensures that our community thrives on healthy food both at home and in school.
Farm My School Pilot
Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale Campus
The Farm My School (FMS) pilot program at Bellarine Secondary College (Drysdale Campus), aims to enhance their horticultural program, establish sustainability initiatives, and integrate regenerative farming into the curriculum.
In its first 12 months, FMS successfully engaged the community, introduced hands-on learning, and cultivated a regenerative market garden.
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Our founders
Ben and James planted the seeds for the Farm My School program in 2018. Their journey of working in the food industry inspired them to co-design an innovative solution to challenge the current state of the globalised food system.
Ben and James’ combined experience in permaculture, education and supporting community resilience became the driving force behind Farm My School.
