Farm My School: Cultivating Communities

Farm My School is redefining food education by transforming unused school land into thriving, regenerative market gardens that nourish, educate, and unite communities. Thanks to the generous support of the 2024 P500 Grant, the program is already seeing tangible outcomes that are strengthening its mission and expanding its reach across Geelong. This funding has been instrumental in deepening community connections and enhancing the innovative Farmer Incubator Program—core pillars of Farm My School’s transformative approach.

A key milestone made possible by the grant was the appointment of a dedicated Community Engagement Manager. After a competitive recruitment process involving the Geelong Community Foundation’s CEO, Michelle Brownstein was selected for the role. With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector and a strong background in nutritional science, Michelle brings a powerful combination of strategic insight and heartfelt commitment to building community through food. Her work is helping to amplify Farm My School’s message and connect even more people to the movement for healthy, sustainable food systems.

The grant also enabled the program to welcome its third trainee into the Farmer Incubator Program, 17-year-old Alex Barrios from Geelong High School. Alex’s selection marks a significant expansion beyond the program’s original footprint, and his enthusiasm for regenerative agriculture is already being recognised. A recipient of the GCF Rural Education and Retraining Scholarship, Alex exemplifies the next generation of food system leaders. His participation in studies linking healthy soil to mental wellbeing has only deepened his interest in soil science and agronomy, showcasing how Farm My School is cultivating both minds and gardens.

Through the support of P500 donors, Farm My School is not just growing food — they’re cultivating healthier communities. From engaging new community leaders to inspiring young changemakers like Alex, the ripple effects of this support are already being felt. It’s a powerful reminder that small grants can seed big change, and that with the right support, underutilised spaces can bloom into hubs of learning, connection, and community resilience.