Where does food come from? St Joseph’s School students discover the answer at their school’s Paddock to Plate

The answer to one of childhood's most common questions, “where does our food come from?” was on full display at St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Childers' Paddock to Plate Expo (31 July).

Students from Childers, Maryborough, Biggenden, and surrounding communities explored the journey from paddock to plate through interactive displays, farm animals and conversations with producers of the region's most important food and fibre products.

St Joseph’s School Principal Christina Day said unique hands-on learning experiences help primary aged students better understand where their food comes from, with this year’s expo featuring farm animals, agricultural machinery, fresh product displays and representatives from the region’s major food industries.

"Many children today are disconnected from the journey food takes before it reaches their plate,” she said.

“For many students, food arrives at the supermarket already packaged and ready to buy, so they don't always get the opportunity to see the people, processes, and industries behind it. Our community has a rich agricultural history and is filled with knowledgeable people.  

"Our Paddock to Plate Expo helps fill that gap by bringing farmers, producers and industry experts directly to our students, allowing them to experience firsthand how food and fibre are grown, harvested, and produced."

St Joseph’s School Childers Teacher Stephanie Milowski said the benefits of the expo were clear.

"One of the strengths of our community is the wealth of agricultural knowledge and expertise that exists right here in our region," she said.

"The Paddock to Plate Expo was created to bring that knowledge directly to students, giving them the opportunity to learn from the people who grow, produce and supply the food and fibre that support our everyday lives.

"By making these connections, we hope students develop a lifelong appreciation for agriculture, an understanding of sustainable practices and a recognition of the important role they will play as future consumers, community members and environmental custodians.

"This event is only possible because local businesses, producers and organisations are willing to share their time, experience and passion with young people, and that is something that benefits not just our school, but the wider community."

Childers cane grower John Russo from J.A. & D.G. Russo Farming said, “as a lifelong farmer, I believe this is a wonderful initiative that showcases the full journey of growing food, from preparing the soil and planting, through to harvesting and getting produce ready for the plate”.

“It is important for children today to understand what farmers do to produce the food we all rely on, and perhaps even inspire some of them to consider farming in the future,” he said.

The event builds on St Joseph's ongoing sustainability and agricultural learning programs, where students regularly engage with school gardens and learn about sustainable food production.

For more information about St Joseph’s School, Childers or to enrol click here.

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Image caption: St Joseph's Catholic Primary School student rides on a tractor at their school's Paddock to Plate event. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Joseph's School, Childers (2026).