Chobani says its newest charity partner, Eat Up, supplies more than 13,000 meals to children in moderate to severe food insecurity, across 623 schools around Australia every week.
Chobani says its newest charity partner, Eat Up, supplies more than 13,000 meals to children in moderate to severe food insecurity, across 623 schools around Australia every week.
Since 2013, Eat Up has made and delivered over 2.5 million cheese sandwiches to support the 52 per cent of households with dependent children experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity, as detailed in Foodbank Australia’s 2022 Hunger Report.
According to the Hunger Report, 1.3 million children in Australia live in severely food insecure households, which can negatively impact their health, well-being and learning ability.
Supplying
Eat Up is Australia’s only organisation providing free school lunches on a national scale.
In partnering with Eat Up, Chobani will supply yoghurt pouches to be included in the lunches, adding a minimum of 10.5g of protein to help children get the nutrients they need.
Chobani general manager ESG and General Counsel, Tim Browne, said the partnership embodies everything the company stands for.
“At Chobani, we’re on a mission to make a difference using food as a force for good. That’s why we are tremendously proud to partner with Eat Up, an organisation that shares our values and dedication to ensuring that no child goes hungry.
“The work of Eat Up is more important now than ever before given the current cost of living challenges facing Aussie families. By donating our delicious, protein-packed yogurt, we hope to make a meaningful impact in the lives of these Aussie kids, giving them the fuel, they need to grow and thrive.
“We’re also really proud of our people, who are volunteering their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of these children,” Browne said.
Chobani will increase yogurt production during the partnership to meet supply requirements rather than using pre-existing stock. This business model ensures that Eat Up can commit to providing guaranteed, regular free meals to hungry kids across Australia.
Eat Up founder Lyndon Galea said he was thrilled the partnership will bring a sense of normality to free school meals.
“One of the biggest challenges for children when accepting donated meals, can be the associated shame. Chobani and Eat Up hope to bring a sense of pride to those who need the helping hand by including such a popular and healthy snack item in their lunches.
“We want to normalise receiving a healthy, free school meal that children can look forward to.”
St Anthony’s School in Noble Park, Melbourne, is one of the schools working with Eat Up. Principal Erin Nagel said: “It’s so valuable for the children to have exposure to nutritious food, especially from a recognised brand. It enables our school to provide free healthy lunches to those who would normally go without. It ensures that students are not hungry and are ready to learn.”
