Date: 14 October 2016

Local school children will benefit from a new Whiddon school healthy eating initiative to help give students a healthy start to the school day.

Snack boxes packed with fresh fruit, a muffin and juice will be delivered weekly throughout this school term to Glenwood Public School in Glenfield, to help students who may not have had breakfast, kick-start the day on a full stomach.

Whiddon’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Mamarelis said the initiative will help to improve student learning and participation and strengthen important links between Whiddon and the community.

‘Starting the school day on a full stomach assists students to concentrate better, learn more and do their best. Regardless of the reason that a child may not have had breakfast, this program will help give students in our local community a brighter and healthier start to the day.’

‘The idea for this program came from a conversation I had with Whiddon hospitality services team member, Bronwyn Santamarta, as a way we could help support our community. As an aged care provider and employer, we are often at the very heart of our local communities and pride ourselves on engaging with, and supporting these communities,’

‘I am very proud that Whiddon has been able to bring this idea to life at Glenwood Public School and that these students will soon be able to enjoy a boost to their school day.’

Glenwood Public School Principal, Mrs Anne Webb welcomed the program and said that it will bring real benefits to the school community.

‘This is a fantastic program that will support our students in getting a great start to the school day. It will help them focus and participate more in the classroom, providing for a greater learning experience.’

‘Our long-standing relationship with the Whiddon Group is important to us. Glenwood students regularly participate in intergenerational programs with residents which bring many fun and enjoyable learning experiences for all.’ Mrs Webb said.

We will deliver 60 breakfast snack boxes to the school each Tuesday morning during the school term and hope to continue this program into the 2017 school year.