Over 1,700 nutritious sandwiches were prepared by dedicated volunteers at HomeCo—Lutwyche, destined for disadvantaged children across Brisbane who might otherwise go to school without a proper lunch.
Community Comes Together
The public volunteering session was part of Eat Up Australia’s ongoing efforts to address childhood hunger. These “fast and fun” sandwich-making events are regularly held, inviting community members to contribute directly to ensuring no child goes hungry at school.
The recent Lutwyche event saw many returning volunteers, highlighting a strong community spirit and commitment to the cause. While yesterday’s event focused on Brisbane, similar sessions are organised in Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, with details shared on social media for those interested in participating.
Addressing a Critical Need
Eat Up Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing free lunches to Australian schoolchildren. The organisation states that one in four children at the schools it supports requires an Eat Up lunch.
Many children arrive at school without adequate food due to various family challenges, including financial difficulties, homelessness, or being from refugee backgrounds. This lack of proper nutrition can significantly impact a child’s ability to concentrate, leading to learning and behavioural issues in the classroom.
How Eat Up Australia Operates
Eat Up Australia primarily operates through volunteer-driven sandwich-making events. Volunteers, including individuals, corporate groups, community organisations, and even school students, come together to prepare fresh sandwiches and pack snacks.
These prepared lunches are delivered directly to schools, where teachers and support staff distribute them to needy students. Eat Up collaborates with various partners, including businesses that provide in-kind food donations such as bread, spreads, and cheese, alongside financial support.
The organisation began in Shepparton, Victoria, and has since grown to a national initiative, delivering lunches to schools across New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia.
Significant Impact Achieved
Since its establishment, Eat Up Australia has provided over 4 million lunches to Australian children in need. In the 2024 financial year alone, they delivered close to 950,000 lunches to 940 schools. Schools have reported that Eat Up’s lunches improve students’ nutrition, energy levels, concentration, participation in class, academic performance, and overall well-being.
The organisation engages thousands of volunteers annually, offering a direct way for people to help combat hunger in schools. Notably, in partnership with Wonder, Eat Up recently achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest sandwich line ever assembled, creating over 14,500 sandwiches distributed to children in need.
By providing these essential meals, Eat Up Australia helps remove barriers to education, allowing disadvantaged children to engage in their learning and pursue a brighter future fully.
Published Date 21-May-2025