GROW KNOWLEDGE | GROW FOOD | GROW SKILLS TOGETHER
There’s no better way to promote health and transform food systems than through hands-on, engaging Teaching Kitchen experiences.” – Kylie McAllester, TNK
Our Vision
A welcoming and inclusive space where people build skills, explore food with curiosity, and form meaningful connections. We envision communities of confident, empowered individuals who are supported to achieve lifelong health and wellbeing, grounded in resilient, equitable, and community-connected food systems. Our programs translate this vision into action, helping participants develop practical cooking skills, food literacy, understanding of local food systems, and social confidence.
Mission
Our mission is to improve lives by creating supportive, healthy, and sustainable environments through food. We integrate cooking, nutrition education, and community- and school-based food spaces to strengthen local food systems in Frankston and surrounding areas. Through hands-on learning, participants prepare affordable, local, and culturally appropriate food, fostering health, resilience, belonging, and opportunity for all. Program outcomes are monitored through participant reflections, practical skill assessments, and facilitator observations to ensure meaningful learning and community impact
Program Learning Outcomes
& Evaluations
We cultivate spaces where curiosity grows alongside gardens, enabling young people to explore cooking, nutrition, and food systems in ways that naturally integrate STEM learning, practical life skills, and community engagement.
Community
&
Social Inclusion
Employability
&
Life Skills
Sustainability
&
Action
Health
&
Wellbeing
Understanding local food systems,
grow knowledge
reduce waste
inspire action
Building habits that stick for a lifetime
Practical skills today, career readiness for tomorrow
Shared know-how, shared stories, shared impact
Outcome: Participants demonstrate understanding and application of sustainable food systems, gardening practices, and environmental impact. They engage in actions that reduce waste and support local food resilience. Evaluation: Facilitator observation of participant practices during gardening sessions Reflections on sustainability choices and food waste reduction Short surveys assessing knowledge of food production, environmental impact, and sustainable practices
Outcome: Participants develop strong food literacy skills, including understanding balanced nutrition, reading food labels, meal planning, and preparing healthy, culturally appropriate meals. These skills support lifelong healthy habits, confidence in cooking, and informed food choices. Evaluation: Pre- and post-program questionnaires assessing food literacy, nutrition knowledge, and cooking confidence Facilitator observation of practical cooking and meal planning tasks Participant reflections on learning, habit formation, and personal health goals Documentation of skill progression across the program
Outcome: Participants develop practical life skills that enhance independence, problem-solving, and career readiness. This includes meal planning, time management, teamwork, and task execution within cooking and garden-based activities. These experiences build confidence, adaptability, and transferable skills for future employment opportunities. Evaluation: Facilitator observation of participant performance in cooking and gardening tasks Checklists assessing practical skill mastery (e.g., safe food handling, recipe execution, teamwork) Participant self-assessment and reflections on skill development and confidence Documentation of participation and skill progression across program sessions
Outcome: Participants strengthen social connections, teamwork, and a sense of belonging through collaborative cooking, gardening, and food-based projects. They share knowledge, experiences, and cultural perspectives, fostering inclusive communities where all voices are valued and participants feel empowered to contribute. Evaluation: Facilitator observations of teamwork, collaboration, and participation in group activities Participant reflections on social connections, cultural sharing, and sense of belonging Feedback on group engagement, peer learning, and community impact Documentation of collaborative projects and shared outputs (e.g., meals, garden produce, workshops)
Why
We Exist
This is not just a kitchen — it’s a living classroom and community hub where participants can learn, share stories, build practical skills, and form meaningful connections. Our programs integrate hands-on cooking, nutrition education, and gardening, demonstrating the real-world application of evidence-based nutrition and life skills.
We model an inclusive, adaptable, and scalable approach to food education, equipping participants with knowledge and confidence to make healthy, sustainable choices. By fostering collaboration, cultural exchange, and skill development, we create opportunities for lasting, positive change for individuals, families, and the broader community.
At the Heart of The Nutrition Kitchen
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At The Nutrition Kitchen, we believe food can transform lives.
Our programs engage participants to learn practical, real-world skills in nutrition, cooking, and daily life, while building confidence, independence, and social connection. Through hands-on learning and guided support, participants develop competencies that enhance their health, wellbeing, and everyday life.
Program Objectives:
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Build Food Literacy – Participants gain knowledge of nutrition, learn to interpret food labels, plan and prepare balanced meals, and enjoy shared eating experiences.
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Strengthen Access to Nutritious Food – Address barriers to affordable, healthy options while promoting equitable access for all participants.
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Connect Learning to Real-Life Impact – Participants apply skills at home, school, or work, fostering independence, self-efficacy, and confidence.
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Create Pathways – Link participants to opportunities in nutrition, hospitality, and broader life skills development.
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Promote Resilience and Inclusion – Build community connections through shared skills, experiences, and stories, reinforcing social cohesion and belonging.
Program Outcomes:
Through this program, participants not only learn how to nourish themselves and others—they develop lasting relationships, confidence, and the skills to thrive in their personal, educational, and community lives. Evaluation includes facilitator observation, participant reflections, and practical demonstrations of skills to ensure outcomes are achieved and measurable.
A Little Inspiration
“Community-based nutrition education empowers adolescents by fostering peer engagement and cultural relevance, leading to sustainable behavior change and improved health outcomes.”
– Adapted from the Journal of Nutrition, 2023
At The Nutrition Kitchen, we take these findings to heart
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Our programs are designed to:
+ Engage participants in hands-on peer-supported learning
+ Connect nutrition knowledge to real-life, culturally relevant experiences
+ Promote sustainable habits and confidence in making healthy choices
This evidence-based approach ensures that our participants not only gain skills but carry them forward into daily life, supporting long-term health and wellbeing.
Who I Am
& Why
I Do This
I’m passionate about creating practical, accessible programs that improve well-being, reduce food insecurity, and foster thriving, connected communities.
My career spans high-level restaurants in Australia and internationally, a stint on MasterChef: The Professionals, and hands-on experience in organic market gardens.
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Now, as a registered Clinical Nutritionist, I focus on youth nutrition, ADHD, mineral balancing, and early childhood health. As a mum of two boys, this work is deeply personal to me.
Through The Nutrition Kitchen, I teach and empower participants—helping them grow, cook, and fuel their bodies with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills. This mission drives all of our hands-on programs in food literacy, sustainability, and community engagement.
Kylie McAllester
BHSc Nutritional Medicine
Ms Human Nutrition
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Founder | Chef | Clinical Nutritionist
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Turning experience into meaningful, hands-on learning for youth, through:
