A recent Community Needs Survey has highlighted a concerning trend, showing a 54% rise in the number of individuals being turned away from charitable organizations due to overwhelming demand. Frontline services are finding it increasingly challenging to accommodate the growing needs of their communities.

“We initially partnered with around 24 schools, but the demand has surged, prompting more and more schools to join our initiative,” a spokesperson shared with ABC Radio Perth.

In response to this demand, OzHarvest’s Nourishing Schools program is stepping up by providing fresh groceries and healthy snacks for school breakfasts and lunches. The initiative also extends support to families by supplying essential pantry items.

Source: SBS News

Through the Nourishing Schools program, OzHarvest supplies fresh groceries and healthy snacks to schools for breakfasts and lunches, and also delivers pantry items for families.

“These schools often rely on food relief to ensure their students have access to regular, nutritious meals both at school and in the form of hampers to provide much-needed food for their household”, he said.

Children missing more than just meals

“There are increasing costs for school items, excursions and books and school uniforms, all of which are really important,” he said.

Taylor explained that poverty and disadvantage can also increase absenteeism and contribute to children dropping out of school.

Data from NAPLAN results show that a young person who experiences disadvantage — “not having access to those educational essentials” — can be four to five years behind their peers in literacy and numeracy, he added.

Importance of nutrition, school supplies

Kirk explained that being hungry at school can cause irritability and dysregulation that impacts classroom engagement.