Published in the April 2023 edition of the Monthly Munch.
Here are a few words from Sheila Marshall at St George Branch in Western Division.
I became a Country Kitchens facilitator eight months ago because I’m passionate about health and wellbeing, and helping others learn how to grow their own food. I am a Nursing Director at the St George hospital with 40 years nursing experience and run my own permaculture business called Grow Eat Learn.
I recently completed my level 4 training and ran my first hands on nutrition workshop out in the community last month. I have partnered with the Balonne Kindergarten at St George where I have built a fruit and vegetable garden and teach the staff and children on a regular basis, recently delivering a foodie art workshop to the children.
Four-year-old children are learning how to grow different fruit and vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, herbs, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries. The worm farm and compost teach children about sustainability and the nutrients that fruit and vegetables need to grow. The children have learnt the difference between dirt and living soil. I have been able to show children the paddock to plate principles by incorporating child-friendly nutrition education and cooking experiences with Country Kitchens foodie art workshops.
Whilst I am new to my Country Kitchens journey, I have been teaching my community how to grow, cook and preserve their own food for the past five years. I believe the Country Kitchens program is a great way to engage with your community and make a difference to its health and wellbeing. As the Country Kitchens Division Convenor for the Western Division, I am excited to collaborate with other Western branches for future Country Kitchens activities.
If you or someone you know is keen to work with the QCWA Country Kitchens program, we are always looking to increase our volunteer workforce. To learn all about what we do, please get in touch with the team on 0417 539 663, or head to our website: qcwacountrykitchens.com.au
