Within the bustling hallways of WA’s classrooms a heartbreaking reality plays out every single morning.
Young children walk through the school gates with empty lunchboxes, their little tummies rumbling before the first bell even rings.
Thankfully, a vital lifeline powered by the incredible generosity of the WA community is ensuring no child is forgotten.
Through crucial funding provided by Telethon, national charity Eat Up has been able to dramatically expand its reach across regional WA.
“Thanks to Telethon funding — made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the WA community — we’ve expanded our regional WA lunch program from 66 to 84 schools across seven key regions: Bunbury, Esperance, Geraldton, Mandurah, Rockingham, South Hedland, and Vasse,” an Eat Up spokesperson said.
So far in 2026, Telethon support has allowed Eat Up to deliver 35,345 fresh sandwiches into the hands of 5628 vulnerable WA students across 84 regional schools.
Teachers on the frontlines said a simple lunch does far more than just quiet a hungry stomach — it restores a child’s smile and gives them the energy to play, learn, and just be a kid.
“By fuelling both their bodies and their brains, the program contributes to improved wellbeing, attendance, and learning outcomes,” a Geraldton Primary School spokesperson said.
School communities emphasise that having access to food in a discreet way removes the shame and stigma that young people often feel when their families face cost-of-living pressures.
“Having access to sandwiches has helped ensure that students who may otherwise go without lunch are able to access a nutritious meal, allowing them to remain engaged in learning and reducing barriers throughout the school day,” a spokesperson from Comet Bay College said.
“The program has also supported student wellbeing by providing a discreet and dignified way for young people to access food when they need it.”
In towns like Denmark and Esperance, educators report a visible shift in classroom dynamics, with children feeling cared for, valued, and truly included.
“The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and the program has made a noticeable difference. It has become a valued part of our school community,” a Denmark Primary School spokesperson said.
Echoing that sentiment, Esperance Senior High School highlighted how a humble sandwich can transform a child’s entire school experience.
“The impact of the program extends beyond nutrition,” they said. “Providing students with access to a healthy lunch improves their concentration, engagement, and readiness to learn, while also promoting equity by ensuring all students have access to food regardless of their family’s circumstances.
“It helps reduce stigma, strengthens students’ sense of belonging, and eases cost-of-living pressures on families.”