Growing Food For Thought

Rob previously served as Chairperson of the UK’s School Food Trust and Children’s Food Trust, where he led large-scale initiatives including ‘Let’s Get Cooking’ a program that established over 5,500 cooking clubs promoting healthier eating habits in schools. Most recently, he spent five years as CEO of Cultivating Community, a Victorian-based organisation focused on creating equitable green spaces and stronger social connections through culturally appropriate urban agriculture and community-led projects.

With over 25 years of leadership in the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors, Rob brings a depth of experience that aligns strongly with the The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation purpose: empowering children and young people to form positive food, health, sustainability and wellbeing habits for life. Read on for our interview with Rob!

Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.

Leaving school at 16, I embarked on a journey through the “university of life,” gaining hands-on experience and insight that formal education couldn’t offer. My early career was rooted in high-end hospitality, where I developed a deep appreciation for food, service, and the power of human connection. Over time, this evolved into a passion for food systems and policy, driven by a desire to create meaningful social change. For the past 25 years, I’ve focused on purpose-led work—shaping food policy, advocating for sustainability, and building systems that support healthier communities and equitable access. This trajectory, grounded in real-world learning and values-driven leadership, ultimately led me to my current role, where I continue to champion transformative change through food.

Tell us a little bit more about the organisation you now head up.

The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation, established in 2004 by renowned Australian chef Stephanie Alexander AO, is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming children’s relationship with food through hands-on education. Originating from a pilot program at Collingwood College in Melbourne, the Foundation has reached over a million young people nationwide. Its flagship initiative—the Kitchen Garden Program—teaches children to grow, harvest, prepare, and share fresh, seasonal, and culturally diverse food. This pleasurable food education fosters lifelong healthy habits, boosts wellbeing, and builds practical life skills.

The Kitchen Garden Program is especially impactful in communities facing socio-educational barriers, with over half of its reach in regional and remote areas. Supported by educators, volunteers, and philanthropic partners, the Foundation also runs community-based projects and offers grants to expand access. Its vision is for every Australian child to benefit from food education that nurtures health, sustainability, and community connection. Of course, like many nonprofits, we are navigating the world of grants, philanthropy, corporate philanthropy, and Government funding. Anyone reading, please do reach out to us for collaborative approaches or discussions on impact investing in our work.

What drives you to keep doing the work that you do?

With 40 years of experience in the working world, what drives me is a deep commitment to integrity and a values-led approach to leadership and change. I’m continually inspired by the dynamic energy of multi-generational workforces—where fresh ideas from emerging talent meet the wisdom of seasoned professionals. This blend fuels innovation and keeps me learning. My passion lies in tackling complex, wicked systems that demand ongoing transformation. I thrive on the challenge of improving these systems to create more equitable, sustainable, and purpose-driven outcomes. It’s this intersection of experience, values, and the constant evolution of ideas that keeps me motivated and engaged in the work I do every day.

If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?

If I could offer advice to my younger self at the start of my career, it would be to embrace agility and expect change as a constant. Maintaining a growth mindset will be essential for the future you. The world of work is rarely linear—being comfortable with the uncomfortable is not just useful, it’s essential. I’d remind myself that leadership, while rewarding, can often be lonely, and that’s okay. Staying true to your values and maintaining integrity will be your compass through uncertainty. Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you and never underestimate the power of listening—especially to those with fresh perspectives. The journey will be full of complexity, but that’s where the most meaningful growth happens

How do you unwind after work?

After a demanding week, unwinding is essential for me—especially since being diagnosed with a chronic health condition six years ago. In my late 50s, I’ve learned to prioritise rest and recovery to stay energised for the work ahead. My downtime is a mix of passion and peace: watching Arsenal play, cheering on my daughter at her soccer games, diving into the latest TV series, or simply relaxing with music. These moments offer joy and connection, but most importantly, they allow me to recharge. I’ve come to value stillness as much as stimulation, recognising that rest is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s how I maintain balance, stay grounded, and prepare myself to keep leading with purpose.