Tara Murray
A new program has been set up in Sunshine to try and ensure no one goes hungry for breakfast or at school.
The Sunshine Salvation Army along with the Salvation Army Metro Western Homelessness Service, have set up Breekie West.
The program which started last week will run on Tuesday mornings, offering breakfast and then school lunches to take away.
Sunshine Salvation Army captain Colin Reynolds said they came up with the idea for the program last year, but had to delay launching it due to COVID-19.
He said there were two focuses of the program.
“The breakfast program is designed for disadvantaged persons in the Sunshine and Brimbank area,” he said.
“The other side is the homeless service in Sunshine is putting 10 to 20 people in emergency accommodation on a weekly basis.
“A lot of people have families and are being put into hotels and short term accommodation.
“Often children in crisis accommodation aren’t eating well.
“We know kids in crisis housing don’t get a proper breakfast and potentially a school lunch.”
The breakfast food includes toast, cereals and hot cross buns, while sandwiches, fruit and muesli bars are included in lunches.
Five people attended the first breakfast session, which Mr Reynolds said they were happy about. He said they would look to build the program and possibly have it running more days if they get the numbers.
Mr Reynolds said they were also looking for volunteers to help out as well.
He said while this program is about meals, there is also another purpose.
“It’s meal program designed to fulfill a need in the community,” he said.
“It’s also an education program with an emphasis on the need for kids to get a good breakfast.”
The program is running Tuesdays between 8am and 9.30pm at 42 Devonshire Road Sunshine.
