They don’t have ovens at home. Some families have even come from cars.
Losing your home, changing schools and living in crisis accommodation can put a huge strain on young children.
A new collaboration with Launch Housing makes the journey a little easier by providing primary school children with a lunchbox complete with specially-baked FareShare cake.
Michelle McDonald facilitates an Education Pathways Program called STEP to re-engage children in primary school. There are currently more than 20 children taking part in the program, travelling to a primary school within the southern region of Melbourne on a walking school bus.
Lunch is a highlight for these kids. With FareShare’s support they enjoy healthy sandwiches, at least two bits of fruit, a couple of snacks such as zucchini slice or hard boiled eggs, and CAKE.
“The FareShare food is gold. It brings joy every day. When we put out the cake the first time it was polished off straightaway and became a talking point. Our kids are having lunches that other kids want.”
Social inclusion is a big part of the program and showing off their special lunches, made to order by the program’s staff, volunteers and mothers at school, helps build confidence and fight stigma.
“Other kids in the school see the food and want to be part of the program. It is seen as a good thing which is very important to the STEP children,” says Michelle.
FareShare passes on rescued food, bakes cakes and prepares snacks on a weekly basis to support the program.
Happily, by the time they complete the STEP program, 90 per cent of children are attending school regularly.
Help FareShare feed children this winter
As winter looms FareShare is determined to feed as many children as possible.
Since the start of this year, we have received multiple requests to supply meals for children. We always do our best to respond and recently started helping two additional schools and two new children’s charities.
Can you help directly fund the production of nutritious meals for kids in crisis?
Your tax-deductible donation will not only help us feed disadvantaged families this winter, it will enable us to go the extra mile to cater to the special needs and tastes of children.
It might be spaghetti meatballs or lasagna for primary school children in public housing. Or lunchbox treats, such as zucchini slice and cake with fresh fruit, for young kids in crisis accommodation. Or veg-packed sausage rolls and pies for teenagers at risk.
Cynthia Johnston, who manages LiveWires, an after-school program for primary school children on the Collingwood public housing estate, says a FareShare meal may be the only hot meal of the day for a child.
“We feed kids who haven’t had anything at lunch or recess,” says Cynthia. “The FareShare food is a huge help for us. We target kids who really need it. We put what’s left over in takeaway containers at the end of the night to help siblings and families as well.
“With FareShare slipping in hidden veggies, we ensure the kids are getting the nutrition they need.”
Please consider a donation to help FareShare provide good food to children to support their growth, social development and wellbeing.
