Thriving Communities

EON works only in communities that invite us. Local leaders reach out because they see a need and want support to make meaningful change. This ensures our programs are welcomed, culturally respectful and tailored to each community’s unique priorities.

In remote communities, isolation means that fresh food is often hard to access or expensive. For many children, this means going to school hungry, struggling to concentrate, feeling low on energy and missing out on learning. Focusing on school aged children ensures healthy habits, knowledge and skills take root early. Early intervention introduces children to a variety of healthy foods, broadens their palates and empowers them to make better choices – with lasting benefits for their health and development.

Access to fresh food alone isn’t enough. Teaching children and families how to prepare, cook and enjoy healthy meals ensures that produce is actually eaten and that healthy habits stick. Our lessons are hands-on, interactive and age-appropriate, showing children how to make fresh, nutritious food taste delicious.

We monitor progress through a structured framework, collecting both quantitative data (such as number of classes delivered, produce grown, or health statistics) and qualitative feedback from principals, teachers, students and families. Independent evaluations confirm the program delivers strong health, education and social outcomes. Visit our Impact page for more.

Beyond schools, we run adult cooking and nutrition workshops and support home gardens. Additionally, our Community Assistants receive training and employment opportunities that frequently lead to further jobs in the community, strengthening local economies and building capacity.

Meaningful, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. Our program operates on multi-year partnerships – typically five years – because building healthy habits, practical skills and sustainable community programs takes time. We only enter a community when we can fund and resource the program properly, ensuring dedicated Project Managers, local Community Assistants and ongoing support are in place from day one. Long-term funding also allows gardens to thrive, programs to expand beyond classrooms into homes and community spaces, and the ripple effects on improved health and wellbeing become visible.

EON designs all programs in close consultation with community leaders and Traditional Owners. As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) with a majority Aboriginal board and leadership team, we embed cultural knowledge and local perspectives in every aspect of our work. By engaging deeply with schools, families and elders, we ensure programs respect local customs, support self-determination and create meaningful, sustainable outcomes for communities.

While most donations go towards delivering the program across all communities, we do offer tailored partnership opportunities for organisations and major donors who would like to support specific communities.