Remote store operator Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Foodbank Queensland (FBQ) have partnered to tackle food insecurity on Cape York Peninsula and in the Torres Strait.
The joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) solidifies the commitment of both organisations to collaborate in achieving the shared goal of increasing food security and reducing hunger in the region.
The first MoU initiative launched is the School Breakfast Program, which started in Term 1 this year and involves 14 remote Far North Queensland (FNQ) remote schools.
The program provides breakfast to remote school students, aligning with CEQ’s Nutrition and Wellbeing Strategy 2023-2027 and Board commitment to support initiatives to improve nutrition and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
Key objectives outlined in the MoU include:
- Collaboration: Both CEQ and FBQ will work together in identifying opportunities to collaborate and address food insecurity in FNQ.
- Recognition of food insecurity: Undertake joint advocacy to address needs of the remote communities, being access to healthy, nutritious food.
- Promotion of partnership and project: Increase awareness of CEQ and FBQ’s initiatives within the communities and promote to remote families.
CEQ Chief Executive Officer Michael Dykes said the collaboration between CEQ and FBQ marked a significant step towards creating sustainable solutions in the region, with a shared commitment to alleviate hunger and promote food security.
“The MoU is an exciting announcement and further reaffirms CEQ’s aim to support healthier, more sustainable communities,” he said.
“We are excited about the collaborative potential that this partnership brings, with the School Breakfast Program the first joint initiative with Foodbank Queensland, with many more to come.
“Through our ‘Good Pasin'(give back) program, we cover the cost of freight from Cairns for the food provided by Foodbank Queensland, ensuring that nutritious breakfast products reach schools and communities throughout FNQ.
“This aligns seamlessly with our Board’s broader mission to support wellbeing, health, and nutrition, and educate future generations, in the regions we serve.”
Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Queensland, is excited to be working with CEQ to work towards addressing food insecurity in some remote communities.
“Foodbank Queensland is honoured to join forces with CEQ in our shared commitment to address hunger and improve nutrition in Far North Queensland,” she said.
“This strategic partnership allows us to leverage our strengths and resources to make a significant impact on the lives of children and young people, working towards a future where no one goes hungry.
“The positive impact of School Breakfast Programs on school attendance, and improved learning outcomes are well known, as well as promoting healthy eating habits to students.”
Main Image Features- Mabuiag kids Happy to receive supplies for School Breakfast Program
Top of Page Image Features- CEQ & Foodbank L – R Jess Watkinson, Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank Queensland, Mike Hill, Chair, Foodbank Queensland and Michael Dykes, Chief Executive Officer, CEQ
Below Collage Features – Iama (Yam Island) Primary School Breakfast Club March 2024.
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In the News –
Read the Cape York Weekly article
Read the National Indigenous Times article
Read the Retail World article
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CEQ is a not-for-profit organisation responsible for providing goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), mainland Aboriginal remote communities, and Palm Island through its now 29 stores.
CEQ manages Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones, Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Thursday Island.
For more information on CEQ, visit www.ceqld.org.au
For more information on Foodbank Queensland, visit www.foodbank.org.au and select ‘Queensland’
