Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS) 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 (ER) 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, 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.”
Over the last 3 years alone, PEGS has collected 170 boxes of food and essential items for families and individuals in need.
“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.”
If you’re an individual, family, school, workplace, congregation or community group who would like to participate in Food For Families, please visit our website to learn more.
