Junction Support Services: From the Source, are runners-up of the 2024 Give500 Campaign.

From the Source is an 18-week community-based food literacy program designed to support at-risk young people, focusing on education and independent living skill building.

It offers a hands-on food experience focusing on where local produce comes from, how to access it, how local produce is sourced and supplied, to food selection and cooking skills.

It takes food from the source, teaching young people to create healthy, affordable, and nutritional meals whilst building essential life skills.

Junction’s operational teams have identified a growing trend of limited educational options for young people who struggle to fit into mainstream education/learning options.

In collaboration with the Close Collective Café Manager, David Kapay, the Research and Development team at Junction Support Services conducted research on an evidence-informed solution.

Food literacy programs have been evidenced as effective learning opportunities for high-risk young people, with a focus on self-efficacy and community engagement being key.

David Kapay has experience working alongside Jamie Oliver in his social enterprise Restaurant 15 in the United Kingdom, training and upskilling vulnerable, complex and high-risk young people.

David brings 20+ years of experience as a chef and a strong understanding of the local agriculture and local food systems to the organisation.

He is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and skills with the young people of Wodonga. Learn more about Give500 – https://www.bordertrust.org.au/give500