At Garbutt State School, food is far more than just a meal; it’s a connection point, a support system and a foundation for learning.
With just 86 students, and around 85 per cent of students identifying as First Nations, the school community faces many challenges linked to disadvantage and food insecurity.
But under the leadership of Principal Jackie, the school has built a culture where every child is welcomed, supported and nourished… without judgement or stigma.
For years, the school has run a Breakfast Club thanks to the support of community partners, including Fuel for Schools and Foodbank. Each morning, teacher aides prepare breakfasts that bring students and families together before the school day begins.
Fresh fruit breaks, emergency lunches, homemade toasties and affordable lunch packs ensure no child has to try to learn on an empty stomach.
Good nutrition plays a critical role in helping children learn, concentrate and regulate emotions throughout the school day. When children have access to balanced meals with fresh fruit, vegetables and nourishing foods, they are more likely to stay engaged in class, participate positively with peers and maintain their energy levels from morning through to afternoon.
For many students, school may be the most reliable place to access healthy food, making programs like this not just valuable, but essential.
At Garbutt State School, staff see the impact firsthand. A child who arrives hungry can struggle to focus, cope emotionally or feel settled in the classroom. But when students are fed well, they are calmer, happier and more ready to learn.
Providing nourishing meals is helping remove barriers to education and creating an environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Behind the scenes, an incredible network of community organisations rallies around the school. Donations from Just Bananas, YMCA, Community Gro, Brumby’s, Woolworths and The Salvation Army help provide everything from fresh fruit and bread to family hampers and essential support services.
The school is even working with local partners to provide school shoes and laundry access, through Orange Sky, for families doing it tough.
In 2024, the school secured funding through the Education Queensland School Food Program, allowing them to employ a food coordinator, Ebony, and introduce free hot meals twice a week. Now, Wednesdays and Fridays are eagerly anticipated by students, with homemade meals like chicken carbonara, beef nachos, Singapore noodles and fried rice served to the whole school community.
Attendance soars on hot food days, and the impact reaches far beyond full bellies.
“Food is central to concentration and learning,” Jackie explained.
“Since introducing the School Food Program, the school has seen a 61% decrease in behaviours and improved attendance across the school.
“Students are calmer, more engaged and more ready to learn.”
What makes Garbutt State School truly special is the sense of care woven through every initiative. Whether it’s a bowl of fried rice shared together at the undercover area or a fresh piece of fruit handed out at morning break, every act says the same thing: you belong here, and we care about you.
As the school prepares to open a new commercial kitchen later this year, creating opportunities for cooking education and even greater food support, one thing is clear: strong community connections and nourishing food are helping build brighter futures for Garbutt students every single day.
