A proposal to provide free healthy meals to secondary and university students in the Latrobe Valley has been raised with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester as part of efforts to address food insecurity and poor nutrition among local young people.
Mr Chester met with Latrobe Health Assembly Chair Tanya Rong, Deputy Chair Ange Gordon and Acting Executive Officer Ellen-Jane Browne to discuss the proposal, along with broader health priorities affecting the Latrobe Valley.
Ms Gordon, who is also a teacher of VET Health Services and Community Services at Kurnai College’s University Campus, raised concerns about students regularly arriving at classes without breakfast or lunch and relying on energy drinks.
She has proposed a collaborative project involving the Latrobe Health Assembly, Kurnai College and Federation University to provide students and staff with free healthy meals through the existing café space at Federation University.
The concept would initially provide meals and morning tea twice a week, with the potential for other community organisations to become involved as the project develops.
Mr Chester said the proposal highlighted the value of practical, locally led responses to community health challenges.
“Students are always going to find it harder to concentrate, learn and participate when they are hungry or relying on poor nutrition,” Mr Chester said.
“This proposal is about more than providing a meal. It aims to improve health literacy, strengthen social connection and help young people get more out of their education.
“It is a practical idea that brings together education, health and community organisations to address an issue that is having a real impact on young people in the Latrobe Valley.”
Mr Chester said the meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss the Latrobe Health Assembly’s broader work and health priorities across the region.
“The Latrobe Health Assembly plays an important role in bringing community voices into discussions about health and wellbeing across the Valley,” Mr Chester said.
“It was valuable to hear directly from Tanya, Ange and Ellen-Jane about the challenges they are seeing locally and the ideas being developed in response.”
Mr Chester said he would remain engaged with the group as the proposal develops and help identify potential funding opportunities.
“There is already support for the concept from the Latrobe Health Assembly, Kurnai College and Federation University, which provides a strong foundation to build on,” Mr Chester said.
“I look forward to continuing the conversation and exploring what funding opportunities may be available to help turn the proposal into reality.”
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Latrobe Health Assembly Chair Tanya Rong, Deputy Chair Ange Gordon and Acting Executive Officer Ellen-Jane Browne.
