53 Logan schools are involved in the YMCA Schools’ Breakfast Program, helping the charity organisation reach a milestone of over 7 million free breakfasts served since 2006.
The YMCA program is dedicated to “reducing the number of students disadvantaged by hunger and poor nutrition in schools across south-east Queensland”.
According to the YMCA Schools’ Breakfast Program Manager, Amanda Maystone-Towell, the team helps over 13,500 children each week.
“Knowing children are attending school, starting classes with a full tummy ready to learn and be engaged with their school community is the most gratifying experience for us,” Ms Maystone-Towell said.
“We often stop to consider the impact of what we do and reflect on the value of the social impact to children, families and their futures.”
The breakfast team consists of only three core staff, four casual delivery drivers and one volunteer.
Ms Maystone-Towell said the team works so hard because children needed “regular and consistent” access to a healthy
breakfast.
“With a full tummy children can focus on their learning and work at hand… rather than feeling defeated when hunger is all that is consuming them,” she said.
“We also know that engaged education creates better positive outcomes for the children, linking this to further education and long-term employment prospects.”
Feedback from school staff highlighted how the program enhanced student engagement and school connectedness.
“Relationships with teachers, faculty and their peers, as a whole school community can be stronger,” Ms Maystone-Towell said.
Of all 169 schools in south-east Queensland that YMCA helps, Logan schools make up almost one third.
