For more than 19 years, The Y Queensland has partnered with Foodbank Queensland to deliver one of the state’s most essential support programs – the School Breakfast Program. Together, they ensure children across Queensland start their day with a full stomach and the energy to learn.

In the last financial year alone (FY25), The Y Queensland provided more than 2.3 million meals to schools across the state, supported by Foodbank Queensland, government funding and generous donors. Foodbank Queensland now supplies 183 of The Y Queensland’s School Breakfast Programs.

“We couldn’t supply the bread, the milk, the bananas and the Weet-Bix to schools without Foodbank’s funding for our main program,” Amanda, The Y Queensland’s School Breakfast Program Manager said. That food has a retail value of nearly half a million dollars each year. 

At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief that no child should have to face the day hungry. As Amanda, explains, the need is both urgent and ongoing. “Children can’t deal with hangry. They’ve got no way of going to a cupboard or a fridge and getting a piece of fruit or something to eat that’s simple yet healthy. With a School Breakfast Program, teachers see disruptions reduce. Some children go to school just so they’re fed.”

Behind every meal served is a story of struggle and of care. Amanda recalls one story that captures just how vital these breakfasts can be. A teacher at a Brisbane school noticed a young girl who would take her toast and disappear behind a brick wall each morning. Curiously, the teacher followed her and discovered the girl’s mother waiting there with a baby in a pram and a toddler beside her. The family was sharing that single piece of toast for breakfast. When the mother realised she’d been seen, she burst into tears, ashamed that she had been caught. But instead of judgment, the teacher offered compassion. Amanda shared, “We encourage the families and siblings of the students to join us for breakfast. The teacher just said, ‘You’re welcome every day. You and your three children can have breakfast with us.’” 

It’s moments like these that reveal the true purpose of the School Breakfast Program. It’s not only about the Vegemite on toast and bowl of cereal; it’s about community and belonging.

Karen, who has coordinated a The Y Queensland School Breakfast Program for more than 17 years, has seen the difference consistent food relief can make. She remembers when Foodbank’s partners were able to provide consistently for their programs. “When Tip Top became a partner and came in with Foodbank, it made my day. That connection solidified the program to continue,” she shared.

Karen has seen firsthand what hunger looks like in the classroom. “I’ve seen it straight up, a family of four young boys, single parent, nothing to eat. The youngest got in trouble for taking food out of the cupboard. So they were devouring breakfast at school.”

What began as a small initiative has become a lifeline for children and families across the state. The success of the program meant Karen and her team could no longer deliver breakfast themselves, but she doesn’t mind sharing, “It’s gotten too big now. And that’s okay, because more kids are getting food.” But her passion for this program only gets stronger. “I just have a passion to serve children, serve people, feed them bread, make sure they’re full. It’s a lifelong passion.”

Beyond breakfast, The Y Queensland and Foodbank Queensland also work together to provide more than 2,000 Food for Kids hampers over every school holiday period, ensuring children don’t go hungry when school kitchens close.

For Gina from The Y Queensland, the connection between breakfast and learning outcomes is undeniable. Research shared by The Kids Research Institute Australia shows that children who skip breakfast are almost twice as likely to perform poorly on NAPLAN tests. Gina explained, “it actually changes their wellbeing, helps them learn, think and perform.”

Together, The Y Queensland and Foodbank Queensland are making sure every child has what they need to thrive, not just food for the day, but the nourishment, confidence and care to build a brighter future. 

Every Wednesday morning, before the school grounds come fully to life, Nexus Care sets up a small but powerful School Breakfast Program at a Brisbane school. As a Foodbank Queensland Community Partner, they run a weekly Brekky Club, one morning dedicated entirely to welcoming children with food, fun and genuine connections.

For many students, Wednesday has become the day they look forward to most. It’s a morning that begins with the smell of toast, the hum of friendly chatter, and the comforting presence of volunteers and school staff who know their names and care about their wellbeing. The Brekky Club isn’t just about providing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of calm and belonging in an otherwise busy school week.

And because Brekky Club draws children in so naturally, it has helped the school identify families who are doing it tough and might otherwise slip under the radar. “As a Chappy, Brekky Club has helped me identify students who need extra food support. I can follow up and make sure they have access to food such as the Foodbank hampers for the holidays.” Sometimes the smallest offering, a piece of toast, becomes a lifeline. As Marlene puts it, “A single piece of toast at breakfast has opened the door to feeding whole families and communities.”

She recalls one Wednesday that changed everything for a student.

“One morning really stood out this year. A student kept coming and going, so I checked in with him. He told me, ‘I usually have food till a Wednesday.’ Food till Wednesday? Brekky Club created the moment for that conversation – where I could say that’s not okay. Now he has food parcels, and we’ve been able to support his whole family. The School Breakfast Program was the gateway.”

For many young people, one morning a week is enough to feel connected. As Marlene shared, “I feel like food brings our young people together in a powerful way.”

The volunteers who show up each Wednesday understand this deeply. Their presence is consistent, friendly, and full of heart. “The mentoring that happens is such a gift. Yes, it starts with the food- but without the food, the mentoring wouldn’t happen,” Marlene said.

Simeon, who has been volunteering since 2013, says the highlight of every Wednesday is “seeing all the kids walk away from the breaky not going hungry and ready for the day ahead.”

For volunteer Tim, the magic lies in being part of the whole school community. He loves, “engaging with the entirety of the school community,” and treasures the moments when students stay just to talk. “Some of the kids will come into the school and they won’t have breakfast so, giving them food, being able to serve them. Making them feel seen as well. Some of these kids will be here for like 20 to 30 minutes just speaking to you. That’ll be the highlight of their week.”

For hundreds of students, one morning a week makes all the difference. Each Wednesday, Nexus Care’s Brekky Club creates a space where every child feels welcome and where breakfast becomes a doorway to belonging, support and a brighter day ahead.