IN a heart-warming show of community spirit, the Rotary Club of Ipswich City’s School Lunch Volunteer Program has hit a new high, preparing 5655 sandwiches in a single day for school students across the region.
The massive effort, completed last week, saw volunteers prepare and deliver fresh lunches to 30 schools, ensuring thousands of children started their school day with the fuel they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
More than just a number, the 5655 sandwiches represent a powerful message of care and community. Every sandwich delivered helps fight food insecurity and reminds students they are not alone.
“This program makes a genuine difference to children who might otherwise go without,” said a local school teacher.
“You can see the change in their energy and focus when they’ve had something to eat.”
Behind the record-breaking number is a passionate team of volunteers – chopping, packing and delivering from early morning to midday. Special thanks go to the volunteer drivers, who help ensure every sandwich arrives fresh and on time.
Ipswich City Rotary formed a partnership with like-minded charity Eat Up Australia last year to fill an urgent need in local schools.
Since the program began in Ipswich, Rotary and community volunteers together made 58,000 sandwiches. In 2024 some 3860 sandwiches were made and delivered to 22 schools.
The program has now expanded even further, adding six new schools to its delivery list, including Goodna State School, Kruger State School, and Bellbird Park State Secondary College.
Ipswich City Rotary President Tony Orchard said it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of members, other volunteers and local businesses.
“During each school term they turn up every three weeks at the showgrounds from 6am for an intense two hours of sandwich making,” he said.
“This kind of support is heart-warming to witness and provides real benefits to young students in local schools.”
This remarkable milestone is proof that simple actions, powered by community, can make a lasting difference.
