HUNGRY KIDS NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Foodbank’s School Breakfast Program vital for hungry children

Did you know, on average, three children in every Queensland classroom arrive at school without breakfast? When a child goes to school hungry and without proper nutrition, there’s much more at stake than just empty tummies, their entire education can be put at risk.

Foodbank Queensland is focused on supporting the thousands of children returning to school from low-income, vulnerable families. Our mission is to make sure that all Queensland children, regardless of their circumstances, have an equal start in life.

A nutritious breakfast is proven to improve attention, memory, behaviour, and attendance, which all leads to happier and healthier children. Foodbank Queensland’s School Breakfast Program provides fresh, healthy breakfasts for thousands of children every week who would have otherwise gone without.

James’s Story

Unfortunately, not all children are able to start the day with breakfast at home. James is one of these children, in desperate need of support.

Like many kids across Queensland, James often goes to school hungry. After a difficult year, James’s parents are struggling to put food on the table. James tries his best, but he finds it difficult to concentrate in class when all he can feel is his tummy rumbling.

Foodbank Queensland’s School Breakfast Program, running in over 300 Queensland schools, is vital for so many kids like James.

Eating breakfast helps kids like James thrive.

If you would like more information about Foodbank’s School Breakfast Program, please click here.

HELP GIVE QUEENSLAND KIDS THE BEST START TO THEIR SCHOOL DAY

YOU’VE MADE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE FOR HAYLEY

It’s the bravery of mums like Hayley that really shines through during tough times – and it’s the kindness of people like you that keep her going.

After her work as a touch football coach stopped due to COVID-19 restrictions, Hayley realised she would have to ask for help to make ends meet and put food on the table for her three kids, Grace, Jake and Peter. “My greatest fear is that my kids will go hungry,” said Hayley.

Hayley has been grateful to receive items from Foodbank through her local food pantry, made possible by generous donations from people just like you.

“A big portion of my food and groceries now comes from the pantry. It’s a struggle some days, but I’m getting there.”

Even though she’s still doing it tough herself, Hayley is right at the front line of support, volunteering her time at the food pantry.

“I’m here most days now, just to give back to the community. We are struggling to keep things on the shelves, because the number of people coming here have at least doubled since COVID-19.”

52,000 REASONS TO SMILE AGAIN

Every Foodbank hamper changes lives and brings smiles of joy. Last year, Foodbank delivered an unbelievable 52,000 hampers to Australians in need – something that was only possible thanks to the generosity of Hunger Fighters just like you.

The number of people seeking food relief in NSW and the ACT at least once a week has doubled. Young people have been hardest hit by the impact of COVID-19, with 57% of those aged 26-40 suddenly hungry. It is heartbreaking that more Australians are going hungry than ever before.

Foodbank has received literally hundreds of emotional letters and emails from families who have had to face food insecurity for the first time in their lives.

Here are just a few of the real stories of food insecurity in Australia in 2020. Thank you for helping us bring smiles to their faces again.

“When I received my hamper, I burst into tears” – Belinda

“These groceries have helped me and my daughter a lot. We are very grateful for your love” – Tendai

“We are really struggling financially like a lot of people. I received a hamper and shared some of the food with someone I know that could use it as well” – Trish

PHILLIP’S CHRISTMAS WISH CAME TRUE, THANKS TO YOU!

Phillip didn’t know how he was going to get through Christmas. He hasn’t worked for more than eight months. When we first spoke to him, it was all he could think about. He’s living week to week.

“Ever since I left school, I worked as a tradie. The bushfires hitting my hometown seemed bad enough, but when COVID hit, work dried up – and then I got injured. I haven’t got a wage coming in right now.

“I’m just trying to get the girls a good Christmas, get them a few presents. It’s not going to be easy this year.”

But thanks to your incredible generosity, Phillip and his girls were all smiles on Christmas Day. This loving dad surprised Carlie and little Indy, who is just six, with a delicious Christmas lunch, provided by a Foodbank hamper – and a few small presents.

“I worked for myself as a painter and decorator for 25 years and I’ve never experienced food insecurity. To know you can’t feed your children properly is the most gut-wrenching feeling.

“Now, I don’t know what I’d do without Foodbank. Getting groceries frees up money where I can put it to other things, like a few little Christmas presents or pay some bills.”

With thousands of parents like Phillip struggling to put food on the table after losing their jobs last year, the number of families relying on Foodbank has doubled. There has never been such a critical time for your support. We are so thankful to you, and so is Phillip.

“I’d like to thank all the supporters for being so kind at Christmas time. It’s been a tough year for many people, not just me and my girls. There’s people worse off than what I am. That makes those donations even more special. Thank you.”

FOODBANK NSW & ACT CEO MESSAGE

I’m delighted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is John Robertson and I recently came on board as Foodbank NSW & ACT Chief Executive Officer.

The first role I ever had at Foodbank was over a decade ago, as a volunteer. Like you, I wanted to make a difference. I’ve been right there on the front line, packing hampers and driving vehicles, and sometimes had the privilege to meet the people who needed those hampers. The expressions on their faces when they received our support – it showed me why we do what we do. To bring relief, happiness and hope, where there was none.

I’ve spent most of my working life helping people through the careers I have had, and I know you understand that feeling. It brings purpose to your life, doesn’t it? I know this is why you are a passionate supporter of Foodbank – because you understand that living with hunger is incredibly tough.

Because it’s not just about food, it’s about opportunity. Parents who put food to one side to pay bills begin to lose hope. Kids who go to school with empty lunchboxes can’t concentrate on their schoolwork. It’s not just about today, tonight, or tomorrow, it’s about the future. That’s why your generosity is so, so important. You’re creating new opportunities, new hope.

After serving as Chief Operating Officer at Foodbank over the past three years, this role has given me a whole fresh insight into the power of collective effort – and the importance of your contribution to that effort. It’s such an honour to be leading a team that wakes up every day ready to bring hope and fight hunger, and you are critical to this team. Because we could not do what we do without you.

Please, don’t ever underestimate the value of your donation. When I was working behind the scenes, I was amazed at how far even one dollar would go. The economies of scale we have at Foodbank can convert that one dollar into two meals, 10 dollars to 20 meals… and on and on. When we pool every single donation together, that’s support for entire communities going through tough times.

Every day, I’m humbled by the spirit of the Aussie families we support, and thankful for people like you, who open your heart to make a difference.

So, thank you so much for all that you do. We couldn’t feed hope without you.

John Robertson
CEO Foodbank NSW & ACT

More students to benefit from School Breakfast Clubs

January 2021

We’re excited to announce our School Breakfast Clubs Program has reached a milestone with 1,000 schools now participating across Victoria, allowing more students to learn with a full stomach and get the most out of school.

More than 15 million nutritious meals have been served to students since the program’s launch in 2016. Delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, the program providing free breakfasts for kids at participating Victorian schools.

In 2021, the program will be delivered to 1,000 schools, providing free breakfasts, lunches and school holiday supplies to those most in need, as well as a Cooking Classes Program for parents and children at selected schools.

Despite the transition to remote and flexible learning in Term 2 and 3 2020, more that 2.5 million meals were delivered to students ensuring no student went hungry.

In Term 4, a further 1.2 million meals were provided to students, along with over 6,700 school holiday packs to support students and their families over the summer holidays.

Foodbank Victoria CEO, Dave McNamara, is thrilled to see this vital program delivered in more schools.

“Since 2016, Foodbank Victoria has been proud to deliver this vital program providing healthy meals to kids who might otherwise go without, giving them a happy, healthy start to the day.”

The School Breakfast Clubs program provides more than just nutritious food – it improves concentration, builds social skills, and gives kids a better chance to create a bright future for themselves through learning,” he says.

Meet our Charity Partners

Queensland children at risk of going hungry this Christmas

New research from Foodbank Queensland reveals two-thirds (64%) of Queensland food relief charities believe they will not have enough food to feed hungry families this Christmas.

Foodbank Queensland CEO, Sara Harrup, said 22% of Queenslanders experiencing hunger are children.

“With so many livelihoods lost to COVID-19, many families throughout Queensland are facing the scary reality of not having enough food to feed their children this Christmas,” Ms Harrup said.

“Christmas is already the busiest time of year for hunger relief, however, Foodbank Queensland is bracing for even higher demand, as food relief charities anticipate a 15% increase in the number of Queenslanders seeking help this Christmas.”

“Foodbank Queensland is working tirelessly to source and provide nutritious food in the lead up to Christmas to support Queenslanders in crisis,” she said.

Today, Leichhardt State School provided Foodbank Queensland food relief hampers to their students to help families in Ipswich experiencing hunger.

Leichhardt State School Principal, Maja Bogicevic, said the school firmly believed in the idea of collective efficacy – the fact that it takes a community to raise a child.

“By engaging with Foodbank Queensland, Leichhardt State School is ensuring our families are able to connect with local community organisations and services,” she said.

With COVID-19 resulting in a year of job losses and income reductions, hungry Queenslanders first started asking about food relief for Christmas as early as April.

Ms Harrup said with the generous support of the community, Foodbank Queensland’s Christmas Appeal will provide essential groceries for Queenslanders struggling to put food on the table at Christmas.

“Every $1 donated to Foodbank Queensland provides two meals to Queenslanders going hungry,” Ms Harrup said.

ENDS

For media enquiries, contact Zoe Templeton,
Marketing and Communications Specialist:

M: 0435 133 601
E: zoe@foodbankqld.org.au

A Thank You from Kahli

For many Victorian families, 2020 has been almost unbearable. But with your generous donation, we will be able to provide the gift of food and happiness to families like Kahli’s this Christmas.

Below is a video message from Kahli, who would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your kindness and support.