Our story
From a simple idea to a nationwide movement, Food Ladder has redefined how students and communities grow, learn and connect through food. We provide schools across the country with a holistic food security and education solution, enabling schools to grow fresh food while arming children with the knowledge and skills to create a healthier future.
Planting an idea,
growing a movement
Food Ladder started in 2010 with a simple idea – to develop practical solutions to address food insecurity in regional and remote areas, and support nutritional education through hands-on learning in our experiential greenhouses.
Since then, 14,200 children across Australia have grown over 135,600 servings of vegetables through our program – and children across the country have been inspired and empowered to make a difference in growing a healthier future.
Our values
Innovative
We combine agricultural technology with cutting edge AI-powered tools to deliver a unique product that has been proven to work.
Joyful
We bring joy through hands-on, transformative projects that energise classrooms and connect communities.
Nurturing
We provide children with the tools and knowledge to grow, prepare, and preserve crops, empowering them to make nutritious food choices.
Connection
We create a space for students, teachers and schools to come together, learn from one another, and grow stronger as a collective.
Our beliefs
We provide the building blocks to access fresh food
By growing food locally, we help address affordability, quality and availability issues.
We create a safe space for children to learn and thrive
Our green classrooms facilitate practical, hands-on learning and arm children with the knowledge and skills to create a healthier future.
We fuel community, connection and cumulative impact
Through connection and shared effort, we are growing an interconnected ecosystem of empowered schools that are making a real difference.
We inspire change – individually and collectively
We have generational impact, boosting the physical, mental and psychological health of the next generation through a movement of collective change.
Who we are
Kelly McJannett
CEO and Co-Founder, Executive DirectorKelly McJannett is a visionary social entrepreneur and Co-founder of Food Ladder. With a background in scalable, place-based agri-solutions, she leads a team using AI and hydroponic greenhouses to transform remote schools into hubs of learning, nutrition, and wellbeing. Her mission is clear: empower the next generation through smart, sustainable food systems.
Lucy Payne
Head of External Engagement and StrategyLucy brings a unique blend of investment expertise and passion for food, nutrition, and sustainability. Formerly Head of Clients at an Australian trading platform, she now leads Food Ladder's School Rollout Program, building strong relationships with partners and donors. Lucy believes in the power of fresh produce to inspire healthier habits and brighter futures for students.
Dylan Male
Head of Food SystemsDylan is an agricultural scientist driven by firsthand experience of climate challenges on his family farm. At Food Ladder, he advocates for resilient food systems and reconnecting communities with where their food comes from. Dylan sees Food Ladder as a vital tool in addressing food insecurity and restoring our relationship with nature.
Warwick Brown
Head of Technology & ProductWarwick brings over 15 years of experience scaling digital platforms across marketplaces, SaaS, and ASX/NASDAQ-listed companies. At Food Ladder, he leads the development of an AI EdTech platform, creating tools that transform greenhouse activity into curriculum-aligned learning. Warwick is a hands-on builder at heart. Whether he's tinkering with electronics or collaborating with schools, he ensures Food Ladder's technology remains practical, secure, and focused on the people it serves.
Samantha Shepherd
Executive Assistant & Business LeadSam brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and people-focused energy to Food Ladder. With a background in founding and leading two award-winning businesses in the women's health and hospitality sectors, she has a deep understanding of what it takes to build purpose-driven initiatives from the ground up. A passionate advocate for wellness, food security, and community connection, Sam is dedicated to supporting Food Ladder's mission through strong relationships and seamless coordination across projects and partners. Having lived abroad in India and Berlin, Sam brings a global perspective — and as a true foodie at heart, she believes in the power of fresh, nutritious food to bring people together and create lasting change.
Alex Shead
Former ChairFormer Chair, Alex spent many years championing Food Ladder's initial mission. His early leadership and commitment to social enterprise laid important ground work and we thank him for his contribution.
The Board
Anthony (Tony) Surtees
Director and Chairman Kelly McJannett
CEO and Co-Founder, Executive Director
Jane Clifford
Director Board Member
Mike Abbott
Director Board Member
Sudeep Gohil
Director Board Member