Photo: Brooke Lark | Unsplash
When staff noticed a trend of children coming to school hungry, skipping breakfast and without a packed lunch, Mooroopna Park Primary School in Australia tackled the problem head-on. Breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea are now provided for the entire school every day. “Prior to feeding our students, we had 120 suspensions per year -- now we’re getting 10,” wellbeing coordinator Lisa Hueston said. The immediate rewards of the food program have been improved behavior, increased attendance, and happier, more attentive students. When school leaders first put out a call for help, the response from the community was overwhelming; local charities donate food and provide support, a local prison prepares hundreds of sandwiches, and a local orchardist provides 700 pieces of fruit each week. The food program is one of many the school offers that support student wellbeing beyond the school gates.
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