A Community That Cares   

What began as a simple idea – offering fruit in classrooms and sending home food packs when needed – has gently grown into something much bigger at Buninyong Primary School: a caring, connected breakfast club that now runs across multiple days, supported by dedicated staff and generous community volunteers.

In the early days, the approach was modest but thoughtful. Teachers were given fruit and snack supplies to keep on hand, so they could quietly support students who might need a little extra. 

It didn’t take long for this to reveal a deeper need. One teacher noticed a student regularly eating two apples each day, which sparked a further conversation. From there, a home food pack was arranged for the student. This simple, everyday observation opened the door to supporting a school family.

As the program grew, so too did the sense of community around it. In 2025, a group of grandparent volunteers joined in, bringing warmth and care to breakfast club. Their involvement has not only helped the program expand but also strengthened the connection between the school and its wider community, freeing up teachers to focus even more on student wellbeing and engagement.

Today, every classroom continues to offer fruit and popcorn, creating a welcoming environment where students can access food as part of their normal school day. This everyday approach makes it easier for teachers to notice when a student might be arriving hungry, and to have quiet, supportive conversations that uncover what’s really going on. Because food is available to everyone, it helps remove any sense of stigma and ensures all students feel included.

The school has also made thoughtful adjustments to the daily routine to better support students. By having a fruit break at 10:00am and moving classroom lunch earlier to 11:40am, teachers have more opportunities to observe and respond to students’ needs throughout the day. These natural pauses create gentle checkpoints, allowing staff to step in with care and sensitivity when it’s needed most.

Targeted Outreach to Families

Staff at Buninyong Primary School found that direct emails to identified families, such as those receiving CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund) were an effective and personalised way to broach the subject of home food packs. This approach ensured families were supported and helped encourage proactive engagement. Discussions could take place in the manner that best suited the student’s family.

Impact

The impact is evident. The scaled-up breakfast club and classroom snack model at Buninyong Primary School have created:

  • More consistent access to nutritious food for students
  • Improved teacher awareness of students who need extra support
  • Stronger relationships between staff, students, and families
  • A community supported program, thanks to volunteer involvement
  • Food access embedded into everyday school routines

The program’s growth shows how schools can build sustainable, inclusive food support systems that meet real needs without singling students out.


“Our volunteers have become such an important part of our Breakfast Club. Their generosity, time and genuine care for our students have helped us grow our Breakfast Club and create a welcoming space where students can start the day feeling supported and connected.” 

Narelle Sullivan

Assistant Principal