At the YMCA, we have a mission to reduce the number of school students disadvantaged by hunger and poor nutrition. Our YMCA Schools’ Breakfast Program provides an average of 70,000 healthy breakfast meals each month across 155+ schools in South East Queensland, including the Greater Logan, Ipswich, Brisbane, Moreton Bay and Gold Coast areas. The program provides food, equipment and support to schools free of charge, so that schools are able to provide free breakfast to all children.
The YMCA Schools’ Breakfast Program began in September 2006 with the support of the Clem Jones Group and Foodbank Queensland. The program started at five state schools in the heart of Logan, deemed by Education Queensland as ‘most in need’ of a breakfast program.
Our aim is to ensure students are provided with the best opportunity to make the most of their education and develop healthy eating habits. Our Schools’ Breakfast Program:
“Students are provided with a healthy start to the day. Many students at my school do not get to have breakfast for a variety of reasons. The Breakfast Club not only provides them a healthy cereal / toast option but also gives them another avenue for emotional and social support.”
For a variety of reasons, a significant number of children come to school without having had breakfast or a substantially healthy breakfast. This is something they are not able to control and as a result these children are disadvantaged by hunger and poor nutrition. Not only does this affect their education, but it also affects their long term health and wellbeing.
Our Schools' Breakfast Program is about more than just providing free breakfasts to students. By providing students with a nutritious breakfast on a regular basis, students form the habit of eating healthy which prepares them to embark on a journey to a healthy future, experiencing the importance of good nutrition and diet. We want our program to have a life-long, positive impact.
On a typical day around three students in every class will arrive at school hungry or without having eaten breakfast.
We appreciate every donation of any amount. Donations helps us sustain and grow the programs and services we offer. With your help, we can maximise our impact on those who need it the most. Every dollar donated will provide three school children a healthy breakfast and place them on an equal playing field in the classroom. It doesn’t take much – you could be investing in the future of a child’s education and wellbeing.
Help us end disadvantage amongst our children.
Volunteers are invaluable to our Breakfast Program. Volunteers help foster a student’s sense of belonging by providing a warm, friendly greeting in the morning. They offer acceptance and a safe haven to a child who may be hungry, isolated, or vulnerable.
As a Breakfast volunteer, you are a positive adult role model to the students – giving them the opportunity to learn manners, take turns and understand the importance of eating a healthy breakfast.
You can make a real difference – turning what could have been an unhappy, disruptive day for a child into a day filled with hope, a full tummy, and a real opportunity in the classroom.
If your business or organisation wants to improve the lives of disadvantaged school children, you can support us by becoming an official partner and:
Options to partner with us include:
N.B. All monetary donations are tax-deductible
Corporate Volunteering is also available for those who sponsor a school breakfast program (staff can see firsthand how their support is benefiting the community).
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (07) 3440 4307 to discuss how you be involved.
"Your donation has benefited our students by allowing them to have something to eat before their class which in turn helps them stay more focused in class and learn more efficiently. A lot of our students come from environments where breakfast is not available or considered important and being able to have it when they get to school is a major positive in their lives that contributes to their health and wellbeing."
The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands we work upon and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. More information.