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COOKING UP KINDNESS: ERSKINEVILLE OSHC'S FOOD BANK JOURNEY

erko kids wtih meals

How it all began

In January 2022, Joel and his team at Erskineville OSHC took a close look at their connections to local communities as part of their quality improvement process. They wanted to do more, so they engaged the children in discussions about how they could make a difference. Combining their love of cooking with a desire to help those less fortunate, they partnered with Newtown Anglican Church (NEAC) Food Bank. Now, over two years and hundreds of meals later, the children are still cooking weekly for those who need it most.

A weekly ritual of giving

Every week, the children go through the kitchen, assessing the food on hand to minimise wastage. Then, they brainstorm new and creative recipes and get cooking. Support from our families and local businesses has been incredible, with donations of plastic containers, cooking utensils, ingredients, and even cherished family recipes. Once the meals are prepared and frozen, the children write kind words and messages on the containers. Each Wednesday, they walk down to the church, just a few blocks away, to deliver their homemade meals to the food bank.

erskineville food bank image

Lessons in empathy and creativity

This partnership has been a profound learning experience for the children. It’s taught them empathy and compassion as they consider the needs of those who are struggling. It’s also been a fantastic outlet for their creativity in the kitchen. Over the past two and a half years, they've whipped up some truly wonderful meals, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

A small idea with a big impact

For anyone wondering how to get involved in something bigger, this initiative started with simple conversations between our educators and children. By giving the children agency and autonomy throughout the process, they’ve given us so much more in return. The experience has not only enriched their lives but also strengthened our community bonds.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable efforts of the children at Erskineville OSHC as they continue to cook up kindness and serve those in need.

delivering food

 

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