SecondBite Case Study: The Murri School, QLD

Whether you opt for cereal, toast, a fruit smoothie or steaming hot bowl of porridge, many parents don’t think twice about what they put on the breakfast table or pack in the school lunchboxes. However, with one in three Australians being food insecure, meaning they’re skipping meals to make ends meet, more are realising that having a range of food options in the pantry is a luxury not to be taken for granted. With the support of SecondBite, schools are stepping in to help fill the gap ensuring kids aren’t going hungry in the classroom.

Just 68% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children make it to year 12 compared to 90% of non-indigenous students. With 39% of First Nations people reporting that their household had days without money for basic living expenses in the last 12 months and about 30% of Indigenous households living below the poverty line, chances are many Indigenous kids are coming to school without breakfast and face an empty lunchbox come recess. Therefore they aren’t equally equipped for all the demands a packed day at school throws at them.

The Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School (also known as The Murri School) in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane, provides Prep to year 12 education to indigenous students. The curriculum is delivered in tandem with cultural connection activities like traditional dance and language to maintain connection to culture. The school strives to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes empowerment, identity and success as students walk in two worlds.

Jeff Locke, Community Engagement Coordinator at The Murri School sees first-hand when students are unable to concentrate and participate as a result of inadequate meals and is diligent in making sure the school helps out where possible.

“We notice when students are tired and struggling to do their best because they’re not getting consistent quality nutritious meals which means their energy is low. We also appreciate some of our families face difficult circumstances and may feel ashamed to reach out and ask for help. That’s why we work with SecondBite on our food parcels initiative. Working together to create food hampers for the families that need them, in turn nourishing kids’ minds and bodies to help them be their best selves,” said Locke.

Every Tuesday SecondBite provides around 12 boxes and two eskies of fresh fruit and vegetables, canned goods, meats, dairies and other essentials to The Murri School which are then sorted and made up into individual food parcels for families doing it tough.

“Our mission is to provide an appropriate education and nurture the wellbeing of students in an environment where all who attend are valued and respected. Good education goes beyond textbooks, and we’re committed to a holistic approach. When our kids don’t know where their next meal is coming from, we do what we can to help,” continued Locke.

The school has a range of other family support services relating to education, health, counselling and housing. It recognises the stigma that can be associated with families facing financial challenges so makes an effort to deliver the food parcels discreetly so as to maintain the dignity of families and students.  

“At the end of the day we just want to provide an equal playing field for all the kids at our school and make sure no one goes without. We care about creating a really supportive environment where everyone feels safe and valued. We’re incredibly grateful for the generous food donated by SecondBite that means we can distribute these much-needed provisions. Our families, once burdened by uncertainty, are so thankful and heartened to see the difference in their kids. It really does go a long way.”