By Lucy Waldron
A community-driven initiative led by Churches of Christ Warwick Campus Manager, Noo Shepherd, is making a significant impact by addressing food poverty among local schoolchildren.
Noo, passionate about fostering community connections, set out earlier this year to tackle the issue after learning about the growing need for food assistance in schools.
“I contacted Warwick East State School, and Principal Stephen Reid shared that many children were going without breakfast and lunch,” she said.
“He also explained how important it was for every child to be able to attend the breakfast club to remove any stigma from the program.”
Upper-grade students at the school now volunteer to help butter toast and serve breakfast, under the guidance of teaching staff and the school chaplain.
Local businesses quickly stepped up to support the initiative.
“I made some calls to my suppliers, and Terry and Sarah Lambert from Percy’s Fruit jumped on board, supplying 30 kilos of local Stanthorpe apples each week,” Noo said.
Craig and Rebecca from Meathouse on Pratten have also donated small goods like ham and corned beef for sandwiches. Noo, through Churches of Christ, contributes essentials like cheese, butter, and spreads.
“We even received a $100 donation from Warwick Weight Crunchers, a local support group that meets weekly on the Churches of Christ campus,” she added.
“This is the true definition of community integration.
“When locals dine at Churches of Christ’s One Table Café or shop at The Meathouse on Pratten or Percy’s Fruit, they’re not only keeping 41 local people employed, they’re also helping these businesses support the community—especially during this cost of living crisis.”
Noo invites other businesses or community members to get involved.
“If anyone wants to help make even more of a difference, they can contact me at One Table Café,” she said.
For more information, contact Noo Shepherd at 4660 1145.
