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.