FOODBANK WA’S FRUIT VAN KEEPS ON DELIVERING

Since Foodbank WA’s School Fruit Van began operating nine years ago, it has delivered more than 213,000 kilograms of fresh produce to schools around Perth.

The Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and Perth Airport have supported the Fruit Van program since its inception in 2014, helping Foodbank WA launch an initial pilot scheme that provided ten schools with weekly fruit deliveries.

The program now reaches 75 schools and operates three days a week to deliver 10 kilograms of produce per week to participating institutions during the school year.

The Fruit Van serves mainly disadvantaged schools where many students lack access to sufficient and high-quality nutrition at home, which often leads to difficulties in concentration, learning and participation and reduces students’ chances of success in the classroom.

With the 75 participating schools also served by Foodbank WA’s School Breakfast Program, the Fruit Van has become an integral part of the organisation’s effort to ensure that all students in WA have access to good food that supports their education and well-being.

Kate O’Hara, CEO Foodbank WA, said the Foundation’s funding had helped the van stay on the road during 105 delivery days in 2022, supplying schools with over 24,000 kilograms (or approximately 150,000 pieces) of fresh fruit throughout the year.

---

Published: March 2023