Lessons That Go Beyond the Kitchen    

When Deer Park West Primary School joined the Cooking Classes Program, it sparked more than just excitement, it ignited a journey of learning, connection, and growth. The program proved that cooking is a powerful tool for education, bringing families together while teaching essential skills that extend far beyond the kitchen. 

At its core, the program is about more than preparing meals, it’s about learning through doing. Each week, students explore new recipes, learning how to follow instructions, measure ingredients, and work collaboratively. These hands-on experiences nurtured confidence, curiosity, and creativity. 

At Deer Park West, older siblings stepped up to lead the cooking process, while younger ones eagerly joined in, chopping veggies and cracking eggs. The pop-up kitchen became another classroom, and every meal became a lesson in teamwork, responsibility, and pride. 

“My mum and I have learned a lot from the program and hope it can bring us closer together at home and in the kitchen.” — Abigail, Student 

The take-home hampers, filled with fresh produce, encouraged families to think creatively and resourcefully. Whether following the provided recipes or inventing their own, families learned how to make the best of what they had on hand. 

One parent reflected: 

“Cooking for the family used to be difficult. I didn’t always know what to make or how to please everyone. Now, with the kids helping and the recipes provided, I feel more confident.” 

This shift in mindset, from uncertainty to confidence, highlights how the program empowers families to learn together and support one another. 

A key part of the program is the introduction to kitchen safety and nutrition education. Students mastered knife safety techniques such as the rock and chop, the claw, and the bridge, building their confidence with each session. Cooking classes aren’t just about preparing food – they’re about learning how to be safe, responsible, and independent. 

In addition to cooking skills, students also learned to read nutrition labels and ingredient lists. This eye-opening experience is helping them make informed, healthier choices, like opting for fruit-infused water instead of soft drinks. 

The Cooking Classes Program teaches students and families how to: 

  • Cook and experiment with ingredients 
  • Work together and support one another 
  • Stay safe in the kitchen 
  • Make healthier choices 
  • Be confident and resourceful 

These are lessons that go far beyond the kitchen they’re lessons for life. The Cooking Classes Program at Deer Park West Primary School was more than just preparing food, it was a way to bond and build skills that will last well beyond the program. 

Big thanks to placement student Angelina for her contributions to the Cooking Classes at Deer Park West, both in the kitchen and with helping to write this case study.

BEPS Brekky Club Fuels Friendship and Future Leaders 

Each morning at Brunswick East Primary School (BEPS), the Breakfast Club leaders arrive early and get straight to work. They set up serving tables, lay out cereal, reusable cutlery and crockery, make toast and jaffles, and slice fresh fruit. It’s a smooth, cheerful routine that feels like it’s been part of the school forever – yet Breakfast Club has only been running for three terms. 

Since launching in Term 4, 2024, the program has quickly become a much-loved part of daily life at BEPS. Starting at three days a week, it now runs every school day thanks to its growing popularity and impact. More than just a place to grab a bite, Breakfast Club is a space where students connect, support one another, and grow as leaders. 

From the beginning, the vision was clear: Breakfast Club would be student-led. BEPS Principal Erin Wiley explains, “It’s part of our leadership program. Student involvement was a given. Right from the beginning, we signed up with the intention that our student leaders would run the show.”

Year 6 students were invited to self-nominate, and the school’s Education Support staff helped formalise the structure with a job description. Students then applied for the role of ‘Breakfast Club Leader’, delivering self-written speeches to a panel of teachers. Those selected take on real responsibility, training helpers, managing supplies, topping up fruit bowls, and ensuring leftovers are shared with classrooms to avoid waste. Leaders rotate on a two-week roster, giving many students the chance to step up and shine via the breakfast club helper initiative – also student led.

Breakfast Club Helpers are year 5/6’s who are approached and encouraged by leaders to add their names to the fortnightly roster. They are mentored and guided by breakfast club leader, to encourage helpers to put their hand up for future leadership roles.  

This inclusive, hands-on approach has helped the BEPS students build skills that go far beyond the breakfast table. They learn how to work as a team, take initiative, and support their peers. “I’ve learnt how to encourage little kids and make them smile,” says Finn. And Audrey “learnt how to make jaffles and work a really weird dishwasher.”  

Younger students look up to the leaders, especially the preps. “They see us as role models… when they’re in Grade 6 they might put their hand up to be a Breakfast Club leader,” beamed Audrey with pride “I like that we get to inspire them”. Finn’s also proud that he can “inspire other kids to do it.”  

Beyond breakfast, the club plays a vital role in student wellbeing. It’s a gentle, welcoming start to the day, especially for new students and those feeling anxious. It’s also become a key part of the Prep Transition process, helping little ones settle in and feel part of the school community right from the get-go.  

Brunswick East Primary School’s Breakfast Club is a remarkable example of what happens when students are trusted to lead. It’s a space filled with warmth, purpose, and plenty of toast – where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and future leaders are made. 

And in true BEPS style, Finn summed it up with a grin: “We’re awesome sauce!” Yep, we think you’re awesome sauce too, Finn. 

Not such a chilly result

Thanks to you, our Winter Appeal put over 6 million meals into the hands of people at breaking point across Victoria.

Together, we created 6 MILLION places at the table for people who really needed our help (that’s one loooong table!) Amongst those 6 million places at the table, you’ll find so many inspiring people – like Rebecca, who was able to nourish her family when all the odds were against her.

With drought conditions forcing regional families to make heartbreaking choices like feeding their livestock or their kids, and Foodbank charity partners across Victoria unable to keep up with demand – we needed to act. Quickly. Essentials like tuna, rice, pasta and cereal were disappearing from our shelves at record rates and we couldn’t get our hands on enough fresh fruit and veg to feed the 69,000 VICTORIANS A DAY who depend on us. Then YOU showed up with a little sunshine for us to share with EVERYONE we support. Helping us raise over 6 MILLION MEALS in our Winter Appeal!

Remember Rebecca, who worked so hard to get her family into a financially secure situation until devastating health issues took out all their savings? Thanks to you, she was able to nourish her family through winter and focus on the things that truly matter.

“KNOWING I DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT HOW WE’LL PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE MEANS I CAN SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY WITHOUT THE LOOMING FEAR. I’M MORE PRESENT WHICH MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.”

Now, what does 6 million meals actually look like? Well, we could say that’s enough plates of food to line the Great Ocean Road 250 times. Or enough meals to feed everyone in the MCG, 60 times over. The reality is, you helped create A PLACE AT OUR TABLE for 6 million people.

Every $1 donated is
2 meals created

Donate today

More stories below

55 million reasons why…

A School Breakfast Clubs Program Milestone

With more than 1,200 Victorian schools playing their part, it goes without saying that every school puts their own unique spin on our School Breakfast Clubs Program. But one fact rings true for every single one of them – they’ve all officially helped us serve 55 MILLION MEALS to school kids right across Victoria 🎉

Picture this. We’re in East Gippsland, where dozens of kids are waking up, raring to go, getting ready for their school day at Eagle Point Primary.

They rush into the school kitchen, where mums and dads, nans and pops, and kids of all ages are grabbing their volunteer badges, excitedly preparing for their School Brekky Club for the day. Later, the kids head to class with full bellies, wide awake and ready to learn all kinds of brilliant things.

This is just ONE example of 1,200 VICTORIAN SCHOOLS doing the very same thing. Every single morning, every single day, all thanks to our School Breakfast Clubs Program in partnership with Vic Government.

Every school puts their own spin on School Brekky Club, but one fact rings true for every one of them. They’ve all contributed to the awesome milestone we reached this year: 55 MILLION MEALS served up to school kids right across Victoria since 2016. An effort we’re SO proud of, that would never have been possible if it wasn’t for the staff, students, and volunteers who roll up their sleeves to make it happen, right across Victoria!

Every $1 donated is
2 meals created

Donate today

More stories below

No need to scooch. We saved you a seat!

Ballarat Community Lunches

Clusters of tables covered with plates full of delicious and hearty food, with 40 new friends squeezed in side by side. That’s the community lunches that you help create. Every week, with YOUR support, we invite locals to share lunch together at our Ballarat Community Food Centre.

Serving up a three-course meal, these afternoons are pretty special, giving hard-hit regional communities a chance to connect and share their stories. All over a plate of great food, which sometimes will be the only meal they eat that day. Which is why we do everything we can to make it count.

Some visitors might walk in as strangers, but after a hot meal on a cold day and a little community storytelling… it’s quite the challenge to walk away without a new friend in tow!

Every $1 donated is
2 meals created

Donate today

More stories below

Thank you, Victoria!

All weekend long, you rocked up to our Food Drive with your smiles, your beautiful words of encouragement and best of all, your arms and boots chock-a-block full of food.

There were cars of all kinds, a gleaming convoy of vintage Thunderbirds and Porsches and a big red CFA truck. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along, and of course to our amazing volunteers who unpacked boots with enough energy to launch a rocket and even bigger smiles!

Couldn’t get there in person? You can still be part of our Virtual Food Drive so head over there and fill up a bag, basket, trolley or car boot with urgently needed groceries to help feed more Victorians.

Check out some highlights from Channel 9 News 😊

Support the 
Virtual Food Drive

Visit now

Start Your Engines for our Biggest Food Drive ever!

Vroom, Vroom! With 69,000 people relying on our support every day, no matter how hard we work here at Foodbank Victoria, we just can’t keep enough food on our warehouse shelves.

Which is where you ‘vroom’ in.

We’re calling on every business, school, sporting club, community group, family or individual in Victoria (who are in a position to help) to drop off food directly to Foodbank at 4/2 Somerville Road, Yarraville on August 16 and 17, between 10am and 3pm. Volunteers will be on hand to empty boots and baskets. We are looking SPECIFICALLY for eight staple items that are most in demand: Tuna, Pasta Sauce, Pasta, Rice, Cereal, UHT Milk, Canned Fruit and Canned Vegetables.

Drive through food donations

Our Yarraville warehouse will be open for drive through food donations August 16 and 17, between 10am and 3pm. Hit the supermarket and bring any of the 8 most in demand items to fill our shelves.

See you soon!

Virtual Food Drive

Can’t get to our warehouse? You can fill a virtual cart anytime, day or night, in our Virtual Food Drive shop! Choose a pre-packed bag, basket, trolley or boot load, or select your own items from the 8 in demand.

Find out more

Fundraising Food Drive

Be a food hero and create your own Virtual Food Drive fundraiser. Invite everyone you know to donate a bag, basket or trolley load of food. Set a goal, create a team and see how much you can collect together online.

Find out more

You can also drop urgently needed food into your local Bendigo Bank in metropolitan Melbourne during biz hours right throughout August.

Can’t get to our warehouse?

Celebrating 95 Years

At Foodbank Victoria, we’re set to celebrate a significant milestone on 31st July 2025, marking 95 years of dedicated service to the people of Victoria. Founded in 1930 as the State Relief Committee, we’ve played a critical role in supporting Victorians through decades of challenges, from the Great Depression and bushfires to the recent pandemic and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Over the past nine and a half decades, we’ve transformed from a provider of emergency food support to the state’s largest and longest-operating food relief organisation. Today, we provide vital support to more than 69,000 people daily via an extensive network of charity partners and over 1,300 schools. In the last year alone, we’ve distributed more than 25 million meals across Victoria.

The 95th anniversary, is not just about numbers. “It’s a reflection of the compassion, dedication, and community spirit that have shaped Foodbank Victoria’s journey,” Dave McNamara, CEO, said. We credit our success to the tireless contributions of volunteers, donors, and partners: every food item gifted, every dollar donated, every box lifted, and every hamper packed has helped build a legacy of hope and resilience.

Looking ahead, we’re using this milestone as a recommitment to our mission: ensuring every Victorian has access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food. As the need for food continues across the state, we emphasise the importance of continued community support.

Cooking Classes Build Confidence  

Fountain Gate Secondary College jumped at the opportunity to have the Cooking Class program at their school. Wellbeing Coordinator Kerry was keen to get involved as she knew it would be a great way to promote healthy eating, as well as build practical kitchen skills. She also knows that food brings people together, and that Cooking Classes would go a long way in strengthening family relationships.  

And that’s what they got – plus a whole lot more! The program made a lasting impact on both students and their families. 

Beyond strengthening relationships between staff and families, the classes created a space for students to connect meaningfully with their parents and opened the door to positive communication channels. 

boy w pizza

“It has been nice seeing students connecting with their parent or guardian in the room, they all look so happy to learn new skills and try new tastes. In a world where connection is lacking, it’s great to see students truly engaging.” 

Something for everyone

Students of varying backgrounds and interests found value in the program.  One student, initially hesitant to participate, quickly found that he had gained confidence in the kitchen and developed his knife skills. He especially enjoyed making rice paper rolls and the okonomiyaki which he enjoyed cooking for his family at home – something he never envisioned. 

Another student, who has a long-standing love for cooking, appreciated the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in a fun and hands-on environment. She learned how to prepare new healthy and nutritious meals while spending quality time with her mum, something that’s getting harder and harder to do. Busy family schedules have been a bit of a time thief, so cooking classes were a welcome activity. 

But the most surprising transformation came from a student who had always been a very picky eater. A self-confessed chicken nugget fan, this student was inspired by the facilitators and fresh produce to try new vegetables – even discovering they liked things they had convinced themselves they didn’t. The cherry on top was the increased confidence in the kitchen, from knife handling to food safety and everything in between. 

1000002857

okonomiyaki

Confidence, Connection and Commitment to Healthy Eating

The inclusion of take-home food hampers from Foodbank Victoria allowed families to try recipes together outside the classroom. Many reported that they’d begun to incorporate the recipes into their regular meal planning, promoting healthier eating habits at home and encouraging their children to take a more active role in family cooking. 

Fountain Gate Secondary College welcomed our facilitator, Jane into their kitchen with open arms. But if given the opportunity to welcome a guest chef to Cooking Classes, they unanimously chose Jamie Oliver—renowned for his commitment to healthy eating and inspiring young people to love food. 

Testimonials

Parents and carers saw the benefits reach beyond the classroom:   

 

“This program has definitely helped him become more confident” said one mum. ‘Not only in the kitchen and cooking, but also within himself. We are so grateful for the opportunity.” 

 

“Doing these cooking classes has given me the opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with my daughter and help her gain skills she will use throughout her life.” 

 

“This program is amazing. I’ve enjoyed learning new recipes and using produce I wouldn’t normally use. It has broadened my horizons.” 

 

“This seems to good to be true. From organisation, to preparation and relationships, this program is absolutely amazing! We have been so pleased that our school can be part of this program and that it benefitted so many different families within our school. Between the onsite cooking classes and the food hampers, 24 families have benefited from this program. It is lovely to see the families come together to cook and prepare a healthy meal together. Their teamwork and bonding as a family has also been wonderful to watch throughout this program. This is something that we would most definitely recommend to others,” – Kerry Gore, school contact coordinating the Cooking Classes.

Empowering Leadership and Fostering Autonomy

Set amongst the gumtrees and ferns of the Dandenong ranges, the essence of Monbulk Primary School’s Breakfast Club is student leadership and autonomy.

On a cold and dreary Tuesday morning the students were met with warmth not only from the steaming pot of porridge, but from the student leaders and volunteers that make breakfast club “homely”. That warmth is a direct result of the care shown by the students and community members who make it happen.

Running every Tuesday and Thursday, serving 50–60 students out of a total school population of 230, Breakfast Club not only provides a nutritious start to the day, it has also become a dynamic platform for student leadership, autonomy, and community connection.

Students hand out milkzoom icon

IMG 1343 (1)zoom icon

Student Empowerment

The heart of the Breakfast Club’s success lies in its student-led model. Year five and six students genuinely take ownership—managing food stations, restocking breakfast items, and even stepping up to run the Club independently when the coordinator, Meg, was unwell recently.

To foster this sense of ownership, Meg sent a survey to year five and six students, asking that they choose their preferred days and roles should they want to be involved. This gave the students a voice and a sense of responsibility over their roles. This structure has cultivated a culture of trust, initiative, and pride among the students. As one teacher noted, students who attend Breakfast Club, whether it be to participate in a leadership role or just to have brekky, displayed improved behaviour and engagement throughout the day.

The Club’s “cruisey” atmosphere, as Meg describes it, is a testament to the autonomy embedded in its operations. Students are not just helpers—they are leaders. They introduce new breakfast items each term (like warm porridge with honey in Term 2), adapt to changing needs, and ensure the smooth running of the club with minimal adult intervention.

This autonomy extends beyond the morning responsibilities. Student leaders also manage the fruit bowls, ensuring classrooms are well stocked and ready each day. This has led to healthier eating habits, with more fruit being consumed across the school.

Community

While student leadership is central, the club thrives thanks to strong community ties. Parents regularly volunteer, and the local Country Women’s Association (CWA) plays a key role, especially on Tuesdays. With a roster of eight members—including Cheryl and Wendy, both former students—the CWA brings a sense of continuity and heritage.

The school’s collaboration with the CWA and relationship with parent volunteers reflects a broader culture of shared responsibility and community-mindedness. It’s not just a school breakfast program—it’s a community.

At Monbulk Primary School, Breakfast Club is more than food. It’s a space where students gather, connect, and start their day with a sense of belonging. Even those who don’t come for breakfast, still come along to chat with friends, reinforcing the notion that food brings people together.

Monbulk Primary School’s Breakfast Club is a beautiful example of how leadership and autonomy can be nurtured in young students. By trusting them with responsibilities and celebrating their contributions, the school has created a program that feeds both body and spirit—one bowl of warm porridge at a time!

 

Student smilingzoom icon

IMG 1323 (1)zoom icon