Hennessy Catholic College students assisting in cooking meals for the Full Plate Pantry – Harvest and Hope.
Hilltops Council’s Full Plate Pantry – Harvest and Hope initiative is addressing youth food insecurity across the Hilltops region, with 72 nutritious meals already prepared and distributed to young people in need.
Full Plate Pantry – Harvest and Hope is a youth‑led initiative that not only provides meals but also builds skills in cooking, teamwork and leadership, while strengthening partnerships between local organisations, schools and businesses.
The initiative, supported by local partner Hennessy Catholic College and funded through the FRRR ABC Heywire Youth Innovation Grants Program, brings together young volunteers to prepare healthy, home‑cooked meals for vulnerable youth.
Meals from the program are now available through key local support services, including Young Crisis Accommodation Centre (YCAC), The Hub, Vinnies, and other community organisations and Schools that regularly support young people experiencing hardship.
Since the initial distribution, additional local schools have reached out wanting to be part of the initiative, recognising the growing need for accessible, nutritious meals for students and young people experiencing food insecurity.
Hilltops Council Youth Officer Georgia Thomaidis said the program is already making a meaningful impact.
“Full Plate Pantry – Harvest and Hope is about more than just meals; it’s about making sure young people don’t go hungry and feel supported by their community. Seeing meals reach YCAC, The Hub and Vinnies, and having more schools come forward, shows just how important this initiative is.”
With strong community support and growing interest, the initiative will continue to expand, ensuring more young people across the Hilltops region have access to nutritious meals when they need them most.
For more information about Full Plate Pantry – Harvest and Hope or to get involved, please contact Hilltops Council.
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