Avon Valley locals are encouraged to make a difference for food insecure families as they head back to school.
One in five Australian children and 26 per cent of children in Western Australia will experience food insecurity at some point this year, meaning many students will go to school hungry, according to Foodbank.
This year, Foodbank has partnered with Woolworths for a Back To School appeal, which aims to provide meals to families and children in need.
From January, 30 to February 12, customers can purchase a $1 token when shopping at any Woolworths store or online, which will help provide two meals to children in need.
Foodbank chief executive Brianna Casey said heading back to school should be a time of excitement for families.
“Sadly 15 per cent of children living in food insecure households go to school at least once a week without lunch,” she said.
“We want to make it easier on Aussie families by raising much needed funds and providing meals to those who need it most, which is why we have partnered with Woolworths for this important appeal.”
According to the Foodbank 2018 Rumbling Tummies report, almost half of Australian families in need have reported feeling less stressed and better supported by their community after receiving food relief.
One fellow student helping in the fight against food insecurity is Foodbank’s Youth Ambassador, 10-year-old Alice Ramsey, who has initiated several fundraising activities of her own since the age of six.
After recognising that people in her area were facing food insecurity, Alice opened bake stalls, sold homemade lipsticks and packaged food hampers to deliver to the homeless after school and on weekends.
Taken under the wing of Foodbank Australia chief executive Brianna Casey, Alice is showing Australians everywhere that anyone can make a difference.
“It makes me sad that there are kids my age who still go to school hungry so I want to do whatever I can to help them,” Alice said.
“I’m really excited that Foodbank asked me to be their Youth Ambassador and that we are working with Woolworths because I can show other people that anyone can help those in need by simply adding a $1 token to their shopping.”
Woolworths Northam store manager Stacey Fernihough said Alice is an inspiration to all.
“We’re privileged to be able to continue our support of Foodbank in their mission to reduce food insecurity around Australia and help children head back to school with food in their lunchboxes,” she said.
“We are grateful for our generous local customers who play an integral part in supporting this cause.”
