What is a Nourish Workshop?
Nourish workshops are one of Farm My School's big initiatives for 2024 and 2025. They are a series of community workshops in place to share the good that we are doing at Farm My School with local families and individuals, as well as arm them with simple tools, recipes and practical ways to nurture themselves, their gardens and their families.
The cooking classes are focused on low-cost, healthy and delicious meals that participants can recreate at home, and the gardening sessions provide tips on growing your own herbs and vegetables.
"We’ve been overwhelmed with the support from local chefs and authors keen to host a Nourish workshop,” said Farm My School CEO and Co-founder, James McLennan, reflecting on the success of the series. “It’s become a local platform for them to share their passion and knowledge.
The hands-on cooking and gardening workshops are not your average class, they are about connection to community, to food, to each other and to Country.
Who has Hosted a Nourish Workshop?
To date, we've had an incredible array of facilitators, including:
Jo Barrett, The Age's Good Food Guide, Chef of the Year 2024
Matt Germanchis, Executive Chef of Totti's Lorne
James McLennan, CEO of Farm My School
Ben Shaw, Owner of Ben Shaw Permaculture
Harriet Birrell of Natural Harry
Michael Jaques, Executive Chef of Tarra Queenscliff
Simon Toohey, Host of Freshly Picked TV
Anthony Hammel, Executive Chef of The Arborist
Patrick Meaney, Founder of Farm to Ferment
Nornie Bero, Chef, Author and Founder of Mabu Mabu
"I had such a fun time taking a Nourish workshop," said Harriet Birrell of Natural Harry. "It was a joy to be cooking a delicious recipe with produce from the market garden and with a bunch of lovely people of all ages."
What do People Think About Nourish Workshops?
We’ve welcomed participants of all ages and abilities to attend, from eager eight-year-olds to seasoned 80-year-olds. The feedback has been positive with comments such as:
"I loved the workshop and look forward to the next one. It was very welcoming and non-judgmental and I felt comfortable arriving alone and having a go at the practical cooking. Thank you so much for organising this unique event!" - Anonymous
"I enjoyed learning more about the Farm My School program." - Anonymous
"It was sensational. I loved the whole thing. I'm sorry I missed booking for the next workshop. I’m on the waiting list anyway." - Therese
Initially funded by Geelong Community Foundation, these workshops are possible due to support from Bellarine Secondary College and Bellarine Community Health.
The series will continue for the year, to find out what is coming up and book into a workshop visit here.
