Our Youth Engagement team has been busy connecting with young people across the region through school presentations, warehouse tours, community events and outreach activities.   

Over the past few weeks, we have hosted warehouse tours and career-focused experiences such as Passions and Pathways, participated in the Hope and Action Sustainability Education Program at the Garden for the Future, attended the Wedderburn Careers Expo and Bendigo Senior Secondary College Wellbeing Week, and connected with young people at community events including BendiGlow. Through these activities, young people have gained a deeper understanding of food security, the role of community organisations, and the many ways they can contribute to positive change.  

As awareness of youth food insecurity grows, more schools and community organisations are recognising that access to healthy, affordable food is closely linked to education, wellbeing, employment and future opportunities. By connecting with young people early, we help build food literacy, reduce stigma around seeking support, and create pathways for participation through volunteering, community service, advocacy and future careers in the food and community sectors. 

We believe young people are not just recipients of support. They are current and future leaders, decision-makers and changemakers who have an important role to play in creating a stronger, fairer and more sustainable food system. By helping young people understand what food security means, how food systems work, and how this affects them, we are building the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to create lasting change in our communities. 

A huge thank you to the educators, schools, community organisations and partners who welcomed us, collaborated with us and helped make these opportunities possible.  

Weeroona College Bendigo, Victory Christian College, Marist College Bendigo, Bendigo Senior Secondary College, Indie School, St Arnaud Secondary College, Lockwood Primary School, Wedderburn College, Catherine McAuley College, Passion & Pathways, Eaglehawk North Primary School, Boort District P–12 School, California Gully Primary School, DEECA Loddon Mallee, Regional ResourceSmart Schools of Victoria, City of Greater Bendigo, Marong Primary School, Epsom Primary School, YO Bendigo