Small school, big heart at the Loch Pantry

AT Loch Primary School, supporting the local community is about more than what happens inside the classroom.

As part of the school’s ongoing partnership with Foodbank Victoria, students regularly help deliver food to the Loch Pantry at the Loch Post Office, helping ensure essential supplies are available to members of the community who may need a little extra support.

Accompanied by staff member Dayna Lightowler, small groups of students help stock the pantry while also learning firsthand about kindness, empathy and the importance of looking out for others.

“Foodbank is an invaluable service for both our school and the wider community, providing essential support to help all of our families thrive.

“Since launching our partnership more than two years ago, our program has continued to grow from strength to strength.

“This initiative is proudly supported by our wellbeing captains and student leaders, who work hard throughout the year to distribute the goods received and ensure support reaches those who need it,” Mrs Lightowler said.

For the students, the experience offers much more than a chance to get out of the classroom.

It provides a meaningful lesson in kindness, empathy and community responsibility.

By helping others, students are learning that even small acts of generosity can make a difference.

The initiative has also been warmly embraced by the local community, with Opportunity Loch publicly thanking the school for its “wonderful contribution” to the Produce Swap and recognising the efforts of students and community members who help keep it stocked.

Families needing additional support can also contact Loch Primary School to arrange a non-perishable Foodbank food pack.

The initiative is a simple but powerful example of community connection in action.

What begins with food arriving at the school continues beyond the school gates, finding its way into the hands of people within the local community who may need a little extra support.

Together, these acts of generosity are creating something bigger than a pantry filled with food.

They are creating connection, belonging and support, while showing Loch Primary School students that kindness is not just something we talk about.

It is something we do.