Hester Hornbrook Academy’s Food Security Program effectively addresses the socioeconomic challenges experienced by disadvantaged students, fostering a secure, nurturing learning environment. Recognising food insecurity as a critical barrier to school attendance and student wellbeing, the academy prioritises comprehensive nutritional support through its holistic approach. As the school continues to expand, recently launching its fifth campus ...
Hester Hornbrook Academy
Hester Hornbrook Academy – Food Security Program
GOAL
$150,000
Australia > VIC > Metro
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- Young people (6-25)
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Hester Hornbrook Academy
Hester Hornbrook Academy is a fee-free, Independent Specialist Assistance School (SAS) that provides flexible, supportive Senior Secondary School education for young people (aged 15–24) that operates across five campuses in Victoria—South Melbourne, Prahran, Melbourne City, Sunshine, and Werribee – supporting around 720 students.
Many of our students have/are experiencing social and emotional disabilities, systemic trauma, homelessness, and disengagement from mainstream education due to adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, family violence, or mental health challenges, resulting in gaps in education of 3 to 5 years.
At Hester Hornbrook Academy education is tailored to suit individual student needs. Its Healing-Oriented Program to Education (HOPE) framework prioritises safety, trust, agency, and supportive relationships, taking a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to student well-being and learning. The school offers high-quality teaching and learning programs in VPC (Victorian Pathways Certificate), VCE VM (Vocational Major), VCAL, with extensive VET offerings in-house, such as the Young Parents Classroom Program, Sports and Recreation Program, Applied Art and Technology Program, Hospitality Education and Training Program, Hybrid Classroom Program, and other youth engagement and student-led programs, to help students develop pathways to further education and employment.
In addition, Hester Hornbrook Academy works with Melbourne City Mission (parent company) to offer students housing support, education, training and employment support, social services support, and a learner's driver mentoring program.
Project Summary
Hester Hornbrook Academy’s Food Security Program effectively addresses the socioeconomic challenges experienced by disadvantaged students, fostering a secure, nurturing learning environment. Recognising food insecurity as a critical barrier to school attendance and student wellbeing, the academy prioritises comprehensive nutritional support through its holistic approach. As the school continues to expand, recently launching its fifth campus in Victoria, the Food Security Program grows correspondingly to support the increasing number of students.
Distinct from traditional schools, Hester Hornbrook Academy provides daily, chef-prepared nutritious breakfasts and lunches at no cost, ensuring that every student has reliable access to healthy meals throughout the school day. Additionally, acknowledging the ongoing needs beyond school hours, the program offers pantry staples and frozen food items for students to take home, further extending nutritional support into their households.
Advocating for sustained funding, the academy ensures the long-term viability of the Food Security Program, reinforcing its commitment to creating equitable, inclusive educational experiences that empower students to achieve their full potential.
Project Outcomes
1. Improved Student Attendance and Engagement
- Regular provision of nutritious meals significantly reduces food insecurity, removing a critical barrier to school attendance.
- Enhanced focus and engagement in academic activities through improved nutrition and well-being.
2. Increased Academic Performance
- Students demonstrate measurable improvements in academic achievements and progression due to consistent nutritional support.
- Reduction in absenteeism, directly contributing to improved educational outcomes and attainment of individual academic goals.
3. Enhanced Student Wellbeing and Mental Health
- Mitigation of stress and anxiety related to food insecurity, supporting emotional stability and mental health.
- Students report increased feelings of safety and care within the school environment, aligning with the academy’s HOPE (Healing Oriented Program of Education) philosophy.
4. Strengthened Community and Family Support
- Take-home food provisions help alleviate household food insecurity, indirectly benefiting family and community welfare.
- Increased family and caregiver engagement with the academy as it becomes a trusted resource beyond academic education.
5. Sustainable Program Funding and Growth
- Successfully secure identified funding needs, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the program.
- Expand the Food Security Program capacity in alignment with planned campus expansions, scaling impact proportionately with student population growth.
6. Development of Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits
- Foster an understanding and appreciation of nutritious food choices among students, encouraging positive lifelong dietary habits.
- Regular nutritional education embedded in daily routines and well-being sessions enhances students' long-term health outcomes.
7. Positive Pathway Enablement
- Facilitation of students’ transition to further education or employment.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $260,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hester Hornbrook Academy | $110,000 |
| Funding Gap | $150,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily on-campus and take-home meals for 720 students over 5 school campuses | $260,000 |
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