What’s Happening?
More Queensland students are learning to grow, pick and eat vegetables and fruit through Pick of the Crop.
The Health and Wellbeing Queensland initiative now reaches schools across the state, including North Queensland. It combines kitchen, garden and curriculum activities to build students’ knowledge of vegetables and fruit. The program also encourages children to eat more fresh produce.
Launched in 2021, the initiative has expanded into the Far North, North Queensland, Darling Downs and southeast Queensland.
Why It Matters
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said encouraging healthy habits early is central to the initiative.
“We know healthy habits start young, and that is exactly what Pick of the Crop is all about,” Dr Littlewood said.
“Through our work, Health and Wellbeing Queensland is supporting schools to create a positive food culture and giving students the chance to learn where healthy food comes from.”
Local Impact
Pick of the Crop now reaches North Queensland as part of its statewide expansion.
Regional coordinators work with state schools to create action plans that suit each school community. Activities can include gardening, grower connections, classroom learning and fruit and vegetable breaks.
The coordinators also help schools put these plans into action throughout the school year.
By The Numbers
- 300 schools have been reached by Pick of the Crop as the Queensland initiative marks its latest milestone.
- More than 70,000 students have planted, grown, picked and eaten vegetables and fruit through the initiative and related classroom activities.
- 3.2 per cent of Queensland children aged 5 to 11 eat the recommended daily serves of vegetables, according to the 2025 Report of the Chief Health Officer, Queensland.
Zoom In
School gardens give children hands-on experience with fresh food. They can grow, taste and enjoy vegetables and fruit in a positive environment.
Health and Wellbeing Queensland Senior Public Health Nutritionist and Pick of the Crop lead Beth Meertens explained the benefits of the approach.
“We know healthy eating supports growth and development, protects against illness, improves learning and energy for play and sport, and helps set children up for lifelong healthy habits,” Ms Meertens said.
“By integrating food and nutrition education into the curriculum, along with hands-on school activities, and grower and community connections, POTC is focused on making healthy eating a part of everyday life.”
Horticulturalist Keith Gilbert, from Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, said growing food can encourage children to try it.
“We know it is not enough to just put a plate of vegetables in front of kids; we have got to get them interested, get them excited, and get them familiar with fresh food.
“That is how you start to build lifelong healthy habits. When kids have grown it themselves, they are much more likely to taste it.”
Zoom Out
Pick of the Crop started as a pilot with 35 state schools in Bowen, Bundaberg and Logan in 2021. Since then, it has expanded across Queensland.
The program combines food and nutrition education with practical activities and connections to growers. Together, these activities aim to make healthy eating part of everyday school life.
What To Look For Next?
Following a recent funding boost from Hort Innovation, Health and Wellbeing Queensland plans to reach more children through Pick of the Crop. Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the organisation is looking to extend the program’s reach.
“Thanks to a recent funding boost from Hort Innovation, we are looking forward to reaching even more Queensland children. Because the reality is, too many kids are still not eating enough veggies and fruit, and they are missing out on important nutrients at a critical time for growth and development.”
Meanwhile, regional coordinators will continue working with state schools during the school year. They will support schools as they implement tailored plans focused on vegetables and fruit.
