Western Port Secondary College is starting an exciting project that helps students learn about food, the environment, and culture. The School Food Forest Pilot (SFFP) will turn part of the school grounds into a special place for growing food, learning outdoors, and connecting with the community.

This project was created together by The Community Plate, Regenerating Farms, Living Culture, local schools, and community members. The aim is to build welcoming and sustainable “living classrooms” where students can learn about nature, cultural traditions, the food system, and how to grow fresh produce.

Why Western Port Secondary College?

The school was chosen because of its willingness to collaborate and share learnings with other education settings along the way. The school has a strong internal support system for the pilot and clear alignment to the curriculum. The project will begin with a prototype food forest – a model that other schools can copy or add to their own gardens.

What Is a Food Forest?

A food forest is a garden designed to act like a natural forest. It includes trees, bushes, and plants that produce food and medicine, support wildlife, and look after themselves with little maintenance. Food forests don’t just grow fruit and vegetables—they also provide social, cultural, and environmental benefits.

More Than Just a Garden

Throughout 2026, Western Port Secondary College will work with partners to design the space, build garden features, plant foods, include the project in school lessons, and involve the local community.

This is only the beginning! We will share updates and ideas through a School Food Forest Network so more schools can create food forests of their own. Together, we want to build stronger communities and inspire young people to care for the land, the food system, and each other.

For more information: thecommunityplate@gmail.com

 

Image Caption: Western Port Secondary College, Regenerating Farms, Living Culture and The Community Plate meet for the food forests initial site assessment.

The Community Plate is a proud VicHealth ‘Local Partnership for Food First’ – backing local partnerships to build fairer, healthier and more sustainable food systems across Victoria.