Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School have been donating food and other essential items to Uniting’s Food For Families program for over a decade.
For the school, teaching students about the need in the local community and the current cost-of-living crisis has been an important part of their education.
“A big part of this program focuses on educating the students about how many more people are seeking relief than they ever have before,” says the school’s Chaplain, Janet.
“Many students are surprised. It’s just so beyond their lived experience. Food is something that they absolutely take for granted.”
The students have wholeheartedly embraced the program. Several students have even been given the opportunity to visit Uniting’s emergency relief centres.
“It’s been quite educational,” shared one of the students, Sunita. “We went down and saw one of Uniting’s ER centres and it was really eye opening.”
For many students like Olivia and Joel, participating in Food For Families has demonstrated that one can make big, tangible impacts through small acts of kindness.
“I’ve learned that it actually does make a difference,” shared Olivia. “You might think ‘oh it’s just one can,’ but for someone that one can actually means a lot.”
“People think that the actions don’t matter much but I think that every little action helps a lot, especially for unfortunate families who don’t have the things that we have like these basic necessities like food and clothing,” added Joel.
Students are particularly conscious about ensuring individuals and families have food at Christmas and into the new year.
“It’s been great to see all the students come together, especially coming towards Christmas and the holiday season,” said Joel.
“We know so many families in our community need the help and we just want everyone to have like a full stomach during the holiday season.”
Over the last 3 years alone, PEGS has collected 170 boxes of food and essential items for families and individuals in need. This equates to around 2,550kgs of items valued at almost $12,000.
“I think Food For Families is a great program and a great cause,” shared another student, Ethan. “I highly encourage all students and other schools to take part. Everything counts, everything matters.”
“Get involved, it’s not difficult,” added Olivia. “It doesn’t take much to be kind and do something like this.”
Sign your school up to Food For Families.
