Helping Kids One Lunch at a Time

Food insecurity is a very real issue in the Hunter region, with 1 in 4 school children going to school without lunch.

That’s where Eat Up Australia steps in – and thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers from local Lions and Rotary clubs, the “Eat Up Lunches” project is making a real difference.

Members from the Lions Clubs of Toronto, Morisset Incorporated, East Maitland, Warners Bay, Cessnock, Maitland, and Jesmond, along with the Rotary Club of Newcastle Enterprise, recently joined forces to prepare and pack an incredible 1,860 sandwiches.

These were delivered to 34 local schools, helping ensure students have something to eat during the school day.

This impressive effort happens 12 times a year, with volunteers giving their time to help reduce food insecurity in their community.

The Jesmond Lions Club has also been busy. Members recently visited Jesmond Public School and met with Principal Holly Foot to discuss additional support.

The club has pledged $10,000 to fund new shade sails, giving students a comfortable space to learn outdoors.

They also introduced the Lions Eye Health Program and its children’s visions screening program, and shared more about the Eat Up initiative. The school has now booked a visit from the Eye Health team and applied to officially join the Eat Up program.

The Club welcomed Principal Foot as the guest speaker at their Club Dinner Meeting, where she shared more about the school’s involvement and the positive impact of these programs.

Well done to all for their continued dedication to supporting local families and children.