Bowen Gumlu Growers Association has been delivering the Pick of the Crop initiative to eligible schools across North Queensland since 2023. Pick of the Crop is a sustainable whole school healthy eating initiative developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state’s health promotion statutory agency.
Pick of the Crop is a sustainable whole school healthy eating initiative developed by Health and Wellbeing Queensland, the state’s health promotion statutory agency. The Pick of the Crop initiative aims to increase the opportunities for primary school students in Queensland to learn about and eat more vegetables and fruit.
Positive and immersive learning experiences around veggies and fruit are critical to support children to continue eating veggies and fruit as they get older, providing long term healthy habits and health benefits. Our program coordinator Helena De Bortoli, works closely with participating schools to develop and implement actions suited to their school community across five Pick of the Crop components.
The future vision is for all Queensland primary schools to participate in the initiative and become part of the Pick of the Crop Community, to access evidence-based, relevant, and up-to-date resources, tools, and support for a healthier generation alpha.
To ensure a sustainable whole school approach, we are working closely with community stakeholders such as local growers and industry suppliers, food and nutrition programs, and families who are key to inspire children to taste and eat more vegetables and fruit. If you are a NQ grower and want to be involved with supporting Pick of the Crop participating school(s), please contact Helena on 0476909648 or email pickofthecrop@bowengumlugrowers.com.au.
Pick of the Crop NQ Video Series
Discover the inspiring stories behind Pick of the Crop by three exceptional participating North Queensland state schools. These three videos exemplify all 5 Pick of the Crop components and takes a whole school approach, featuring School Champions, students, parents, and a local Bowen grower. Witness the positive changes happening at their schools’ and the impact Pick of the Crop is having on student’s veggie and fruit dietary habits. Each school journey captures their unique Pick of the Crop goals and celebrates their passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for exploring veggie and fruit opportunities.
Shot at the school’s veggie plots and hydroponics, the School Champion discusses their Pick of the Crop journey and highlights key achievements for their school gardens and cooking classes. Two parents provide insights into the positive changes they have observed since their children began participating in Pick of the Crop activities at the school.
Learn more about Rollingstone State School’s Pick of the Crop journey through their case study here.
Filmed in the school’s veggie garden and tuckshop, the School Champion shares their experiences in the initiative and outlines the achievements related to their school garden and brain breaks. Students also highlighted what they love about Pick of the Crop and got to enjoy sandwiches made with their school garden produce for morning tea.
Filmed at Lower Don Organics farm in Bowen, the School Champion expresses a desire to acquire a shade house for their school and highlights the value of learning directly from a local organic grower to replicate best practices. Two students share their favourite aspects of Pick of the Crop, and the regional coordinator features the significance of showcasing a farmer’s perspective on hosting a Pick of the Crop school on their farm, to encourage more growers to get involved.
Are you inspired to get involved and be part of the growing school success across our region?
Participation is now open for 2025. Complete the expression of interest form below, and our regional coordinator will connect with you soon.
Participating schools have used their own school garden produce and/or locally grown produce from our growers to create a healthy recipe for their tuckshop. Five delicious seasonal recipes were created by participating schools who entered the pilot. Tried and tested students gave their approval! Can’t get enough? Please download below to create their new seasonal tuckshop recipe at home.
To download the recipe cards to print click here.
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