News

Greenhouses growing healthy futures in local schools

By Hailey Wight

May 26, 2026

Year 3 student Xavier Campbell cuts the ribbon at the greenhouse opening alongside Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and the Lighthouse Project’s Amy Robinson and Elizabeth Capp. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Students at two Greater Shepparton schools are growing their own fresh produce thanks to two new greenhouses, which opened on Wednesday, May 20.

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The Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and Food Ladder partnered to bring greenhouses to Gowrie Street Primary School and Mooroopna Park Primary School, aiming to support the growth of healthier futures and opportunities for young people.

Food Ladder head of food systems Dylan Male said hydroponic greenhouses were an efficient way to grow food.

“Kids come to schools with no fresh food in their lunch boxes,” Mr Male said.

“This is a way to safeguard food security in schools.”

He said the greenhouse served as another “classroom, as kids enjoy getting out there”.

Year 3 student Mirvais Qurbani plants some produce. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

With 50 Food Ladder greenhouses in schools across Australia, the initiative is helping students from all walks of life gain therapeutic, educational or practical benefits.

For Gowrie Street Primary School and Mooroopna Park Primary School, the greenhouses will complement breakfast and lunch programs that already exist.

“The addition of the greenhouses will strengthen our food programs by producing more than 250kg of fresh fruit and vegetables annually, while also providing surplus produce for families to take home,” Gowrie Street Primary School acting principal Tim Davis said.

The greenhouse at Gowrie Street also links to a First Nations edible garden, which was co-designed, planned and planted by Gowrie Street Year 5 and 6 students, under the guidance of Auntie Lisa Lynch.

Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project executive officer Amy Robinson talks about how the greenhouses will improve health education. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Lighthouse Project executive officer Amy Robinson said this project was about more than simply building greenhouses.

“It was about tackling food insecurity, improving student wellbeing, and creating meaningful learning experiences that could shape future pathways,” she said.

“It allows students to learn where food is coming from.”

Ms Robinson said the two greenhouses were a community effort.

Lighthouse Project received $20,000 through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Grant Programme, secured by Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell.

The project was further supported by local Rotary and Kiwanis groups, businesses and volunteers.