By Aaron Cordy
PROVIDING the best education for young children is more than about teaching them reading, writing and maths. It is about providing an environment where young minds are nurtured, cared for and given the best opportunity to grow.
At Gowrie Street Primary School, they discovered some of their young students were not given the best opportunity to learn due to the lack of nutritional food available to them.
Gowrie Streets Health Food Program began with the humble mission of providing a sandwich to kids who didn’t have lunch for a day, to a breakfast program run by Chelsea Smith, who began making nicer lunches for those without them. It soon became apparent some students weren’t bringing in lunch in favour of having one made by Chelsea.
The idea was born to provide lunch one day a week for the children who wanted it. Azem Elmaz, from People Supporting People helped provide food for the lunches, which soon became two days then three at the end of last year.
Under Lunch Program Coordinator Chelsea Smith’s watch, Gowrie Street Primary School feeds up to 213 kids and staff breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea every school day at no charge to the families. A feat of generosity that cannot be underestimated with so many families doing it tough.
The concept is supported by the community through donations, and with the aid of FoodShare. This has allowed them to open a community pantry to support in-home food supplies, which is also free to families and helps reduce waste.
Last week Gowrie Street Primary School celebrated the opening of its new kitchen to help cater for their lunch program with stakeholders and the wonderful volunteers who have made it possible.
“It is a very exciting day for us, getting to celebrate this with you guys and to have you come and have a look. I really appreciate you all coming,” said Chelsea.
