Students with full tummies are ready to learn, thanks to the CEQ and Foodbank Queensland collaborative school breakfast program. Photo: Supplied.
Cape York and the Torres Strait’s remote store operator and Foodbank Queensland have teamed up to combat food security in the region.
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ), most known for their IBIS and ABIS supermarkets, launched the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Foodbank Queensland earlier this year, with outlined initiatives and commitments to reduce hunger and food issues in Cape York and the Torres Strait.
CEQ chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the collaboration marked a significant step towards creating sustainable solutions to alleviate hunger and promote food security.
“The MoU is an exciting announcement, and further reaffirms CEQ’s aim to support healthier, more sustainable communities,” he said.
“Through our Good Pasin program, we cover the cost of the freight from Cairns for the food provided by Foodbank Queensland, ensuring that nutritious breakfast products reach schools and communities throughout FNQ.”
The first MoU initiative launched was the school breakfast program, which started in term one and involves 14 remote Far North Queensland schools.
“We are excited about the collaborative potential that this partnership brings, with the school breakfast program the first joint initiative with Foodbank Queensland [and] many more to come,” Mr Dykes said.
“This aligns seamlessly with our board’s broader mission to support wellbeing, health, nutrition, and educate future generations in the regions we serve.”
Foodbank Queensland chief executive officer Jess Watkinson said she was excited to work with CEQ to combat food security concerns in remote communities.
“Foodbank Queensland is honoured to join forces with CEQ in our shared commitment to address hunger and improve nutrition in Far North Queensland,” she said.
“This strategic partnership allows us to leverage our strengths and resources to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, working towards a future where no one goes hungry.
“The positive impact of school breakfast program on school attendance and improved learning outcomes are well known, as well as promoting healthy eating habits to students.”
