About us
The School Food Project brings together chefs, cooks, nutritionists, and experts from business and hospitality who care deeply about the food children eat.
We are a not-for-profit founded in 2016 with a vision to improve the food served in Australian schools. Better food supports children’s health, wellbeing, behaviour, and learning.
THEANNA PETERS
Founder
Theanna is a pastry chef, baker, and holds a nutrition qualification. Raised in a food-centric family, she is inspired by her grandmother, a caterer who co-founded the St Canice Kitchen for the Homeless in Sydney. Theanna began her career at Opera Australia as Music Assistant, then pivoted to train in hospitality. She worked under Marcella Hazan’s son Giuliano in the USA and at Sydney’s Bistro Moncur. She passionately supports improving childhood health, nutrition and happiness through school food.
TAICEA AGNEW
Chief Executive Officer
Taicea is a senior executive with experience across a diverse range of business environments and multiple geographies. She is passionate about using resources and opportunities in thoughtful ways to create sustainable outcomes and meaningful impact. Her work with us focuses on strengthening and supporting our organisation so we can continue to grow, deliver our mission, and expand the positive impact of school lunch programs for children and their communities.
CARLOTA FRANSSEN
Project Manager
Carlota offers our team her skills in project management, focusing on bringing out the best in people and keeping the team grounded. She has co-created The Canteen Transformation Program-DIY and The School Lunch Program resources for schools.
Originally from Mexico, she loves the sense of community and belonging that comes with sharing beautiful meals and as a mum, sees the immense difference that good nutrition and food education can make in children’s lives.
Originally from Mexico, she loves the sense of community and belonging that comes with sharing beautiful meals and as a mum, sees the immense difference that good nutrition and food education can make in children’s lives.
NICOLE LOO
Digital Operations
Nicole is a web designer and business advisor, who combines mathematical and creative brilliance with a love of good food. Nicole supports The School Food Project across all things tech and business. She has designed the online capability of our training models, and we are excited to share our resources with your school.
CHRISTINA CAMARGO
Chef Trainer
A qualified chef, Christina has worked for over 25 years in some of Sydney and London’s finest restaurants including Bistro Moncur, at The River Café London, and with KKR Catering, London. Since joining The School Food Project, she was instrumental in the development of The Canteen Transformation Program. She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and is ready to assist your school canteen’s fresh food journey.
CHRISTINE OSMOND
Recipe Editor & Program Writer
Christine is a qualified chef, recipe editor, writer, researcher and recipe tester, who has worked for publications such as Gourmet Traveller, Murdoch Books, Penguin Books, and with SBS Food online. As a chef she trained under auspicious mentors such as Janni Kyritsis, Damien Pignolet, Gay Bilson, Rick Stein, Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers of London’s River Café. Christine brings her knowledge to the role as editor and writer of The School Food Project’s recipes and training resources.
Our Board
JOHN HENDERSON
Chair
John is Chief Operating Officer, and Company Secretary at Bell Shakespeare; as well as a board director with several arts organisations. He supports SFP with his extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector.
THEANNA PETERS
Director & Founder
Theanna founded The School Food Project to facilitate and advocate for equitable, nourishing school food, and for the chefs, cooks, canteen managers, volunteers and educators who can feed a brighter future, every day.
ROSS NEWCOMBE
Company Secretary
Ross is the Director of Newcombe and Co. Chartered Accountants. He has extensive experience in the financial sector and provides SFP with financial governance.
Our Advisors
EILISH MALONEY
Head Chef and Founder of the What if Society; Eilish combines passion and discipline for her craft with a deep respect for food, community and sustainability. Through her zero-waste, food-focused cooperative, she educates and inspires people to live more sustainably. She recognises the value of food education at school, and provides valuable guidance and support to our non-profit.
CHRISTOPHER ZINN
A journalist, Chris is the Director of Determined Consumer; as well as a consumer campaigner working in diverse fields to empower the public and drive positive change.
GEOFF GUNTON
Geoff is the General Manager at Evolution Hospitality Training Institute. A former Operations Manager with Cater Care, he transformed the menu and ingredients at the school Theanna’s sons attended, viably. Geoff lends his leadership and Hospitality business expertise to SFP.
Our Philosophy
NOURISH
For us, it is a privilege to cook delicious food for school children. Food made from fresh ingredients that gives them the opportunity to learn and thrive.
GROW
It takes a village to raise a child. We foster community connections with local growers, producers and businesses into the school kitchen, for the best outcome for all.
CHANGE
We have reimagined how school food can be provided and will continue to build on our success. We strive to deliver strong systems and supportive training, which underpin the fresh and varied menus offered. We shine a light on the staff, volunteers and stakeholders who make it happen. They are our inspiration.
