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.
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.
If you are interested in joining the initiative in 2025 we’d love to hear from you! Please register your interest below.
Regular exposure to practical and fun learning experiences focused on veggies and fruits is critical to supporting children in developing healthy eating habits. Our regional coordinator, Helena De Bortoli, works closely with participating state schools to develop and implement tailored actions aligned with the five key components of the Pick of the Crop initiative.
Our vision for the future is to have all North Queensland primary schools join the Pick of the Crop community, gaining access to FREE evidence-based resources, tools, and tailored support to help create a healthier Generation Alpha.
To foster a sustainable, whole-school approach, we engage collaboratively with community stakeholders—including local growers, industry suppliers, and school food and nutrition programs—while strengthening staff capacity and empowering families to make healthier eating the easy and accessible choice.
Pick of the Crop NQ Video Series
Discover the inspiring stories behind Pick of the Crop by our 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 from 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 Schools’ 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 veggie and fruit brain breaks. Students also highlight what they love about Pick of the Crop and got to enjoy sandwiches made with their school garden produce for afternoon tea.
Captured 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.
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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