Penrith Community Kitchen has received a grant to help support 26 schools in the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA).
The Stronger Communities Program (SCP) has given $9845 to Penrith Community Kitchen as part of their Round 8 grant to provide nine local schools with a new fridge, and a further 17 schools with a new pantry.
Cranebrook’s Braddock Public School was one of the first schools to receive benefits from the grant; they are intending to launch a ‘Flexi Hub’ which will provide a safe environment for school community members.
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, shared her admiration for the program.
“We are extremely grateful that good organisations give back to the community, and that Penrith Community Kitchen has the connection of support for this collaborative venture with our local schools,” she said.
“All children deserve a good education, and helping to fuel young minds and ensuring the wellbeing of students is a priority of mine, starting the day with a good breakfast is so important.”
The SCP provides federal grant funding between $2,000 and $20,000 to community organisations and LGAs for small projects to deliver benefits to local communities.
McIntosh shared her belief that the program is an opportunity for schools to continue to shed social barriers.
“For many families, the local school is the key place that take social barriers away, it’s where the community can get together and lean on one another for help during times of hardship,” she said.
“The Penrith Community Kitchen school outreach program is a wonderful way that ensures students, and their families, will not only be provided with a meal but also feel cared about.
“It’s such a hard time financially for so many.”
Board member for Penrith Community Kitchen and CEO of Penrith CBD Corporation, Gai Hawthorn, said how encouraging it is to see local schools being given this assistance.
“We express our gratitude for the continuous support provided by Melissa McIntosh MP and the Federal Government in aiding the Penrith Community Kitchen, which assists our vulnerable community in times of need,” she said.
“Their dedication and concern for the local community play a crucial role in ensuring that no one in the Penrith community goes without food.”
