Illawarra Breakfast Programs

For over fifteen years HCI has been involved in supporting breakfast programs for disadvantaged children and youth.  Those clubs are located in areas of social disadvantage from Bellambi to Nowra.

The programs initially secured small pools of funds, incuding grants, local business and organisation sponsorship, for program establishment and supply of breakfast foods.  From 2000-2004 HCI established ten breakfast clubs across the Illawarra using funding provided by the NSW Casino Community Benefit Fund (CCBF).  In 2005 local clubs and the NSW Families First program provided ongoing funding.  The number of breakfast programs held at community centres and public schools in the region has now grown to fifteen, providing over 400 breakfasts each day.  Programs are funded by a wide range of organisations, government and non-government, for varying amounts and periods of time.

 

Breakfast programs are  largely run by volunteers at community centres and public schools in areas of social disadvantage,  to school-aged children and youths who, for a variety of reasons, would otherwise routinely go without breakfast.  The programs aim for social inclusion, improved nutrition, education support, and offer social opportunities including a safe, supervised setting before school.  Many of the programs have the sponsorship of local business assisting with items such as bread and cereal, and all fifteen clubs are now well established and embedded in their communities.

 

Area Assistance Scheme funding was secured in late 2006 for the employment of a Children's Nutrition Program Coordinator at HCI.  The Coordinator's role is to provide on-going support to breakfast program coordinators, and investigate sponsorship opportunities with the intention of obtaining longer term financial security, and overall program sustainability.

 

Childrens' Safety

 

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