This morning our team of volunteers took to the kitchen to provide over 1500 sandwiches for the Townsville launch of the wonderful Eat Up cause. This not-for-profit has provides lunches to some of the most vulnerable children in the community, allowing them the ability to focus at school.

Founded in Shepparton, Victoria almost seven years ago, Eat Up has since delivered over 870,000 sandwiches to more than 550 schools across QLD, VIC and NSW. And, as of this morning Queensland Country is the newest addition to their volunteer base to help supply lunches to 30 schools in and around Townsville.

Many of the children who benefit from Eat Up’s program are from backgrounds that may be experiencing financial hardship, substance abuse, violence, homelessness or are refugees. Missing out on lunch has a huge impact on these children, with hunger leading to fatigue and poor concentration. This can then lead to learning difficulties and behavioural problems, with the additional effect of falling behind their peers as a result.

As part of Eat Up’s approach it’s important that communities, schools and corporate groups are engaged in order to ensure the program can continue to run sustainably. 

Our Chief Executive Officer Aaron Newman expressed how delighted Queensland Country were to be involved in Eat Up’s launch.

“As a member-owned bank and health fund we value giving back to the community and Eat Up is a fantastic initiative for us to support through our Community Volunteer Program,” Mr Newman said. 

“It’s an excellent team-building activity for our staff to come together from different departments throughout the organisation, and it feels good to know we are helping local children get the nutrition they need so they can focus on learning.” 

“We have already scheduled another date in May and I would encourage other organisations to get involved to ensure Eat Up can continue to deliver this service to help our local school kids have a healthy lunch each day.” 

A pilot survey run in association with Deakin University IPAN at a select group of schools currently using the Eat Up Program showed positive outcomes, including improved concentration in students and a reduction of disruptive behaviour.

If you wish to be involved in this cause you can either donate here,  become a volunteer individually or invite your workplace to be involved or sign up a school here.

Find out more about Eat Up.