IN Ipswich, community spirit is transforming lives one sandwich at a time.
Since January 2024, residents, local businesses, schools, and volunteers have joined forces to ensure no child starts the school day hungry.
What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a city-wide movement driven by the Rotary Club of Ipswich City, uniting people from all walks of life in support of the city’s youngest learners.
From an initial 2505 sandwiches prepared for 17 schools, the program now delivers more than 6100 sandwiches each session to 31 schools across Ipswich.
By the end of Term 1 alone, nearly 19,000 sandwiches will have been made, giving children the fuel they need to focus, learn, and thrive.
The goal of 76,000 is set to be prepared by the group by the end of the year – each one a symbol of care, dignity, and the extraordinary power of a connected community.
The program reaches children across Ipswich’s primary, secondary, and special schools.
Primary schools benefiting from the initiative include Amberley State School, Blair State School, Brassall State Primary, Bundamba State School, Churchill State School, Collingwood Park State School, Fernbrooke State School, Goodna Special School, Goodna State School, Ipswich Central State Primary School, Ipswich East and West State Schools, Kruger State Primary, Leichhardt State School, Redbank Plains Primary, Rosewood State Primary, and Tivoli State Primary.
Secondary and special schools are equally supported, with regular deliveries to Bellbird Park State Secondary College, Bundamba State Secondary College, Claremont Special School, Collingwood Park State Secondary School, Ipswich State High School, Raceview State School, Redbank Plains State High School, Redbank Plains State School, Ripley Valley Secondary College, Riverview State School, Rosewood State High School, Silkstone State School, St Francis Xavier School, and Woodlinks State School.
This extraordinary impact is made possible through the generosity and collaboration of the Ipswich community.
Eat Up Australia provides essential ingredients and supplies, from bread and cheese to gloves and tablecloths. Ipswich Show Society donates space, tables, chairs, and cold-room storage, while Drakes Winston Glades ensures discounted bread delivery directly to volunteers.
At the heart of the program are its volunteers, with around 70 people contributing their time at each session, including students from St Edmund’s College, St Mary’s College, and Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School, alongside local business representatives, families, and community members.
Volunteers play a crucial role – community members can help provide food, dignity, and opportunity to thousands of children across Ipswich.
Join the team by visiting the Rotary Club of Ipswich City on Facebook.
