What does 26,200 kilos of fruit
look like?
If you picture an average apple weighing about 150 grams, that would be roughly 173,000 apples. Stacked, it would fill about 13 large delivery trucks (which can carry 2,000kg).
Thanks to Perth Airport and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, the Perth Airport School Fruit Van delivers 10 kilos of free fruit to 75 schools around Perth every school week of the year. This is more than 150,000 pieces of fruit a year!
In a collaborative effort, fruit is donated from local growers, packed into hampers by our volunteers and then is delivered by us to 75 participating schools. Running the School Fruit Van ensures that students who are at higher risk of socioeconomic disadvantage have regular access to fresh produce.
Since the start of the program 10 years ago, our Van has clocked some serious kilometres each year – travelling from Armadale and out to Myaree, up to Butler, Lockridge, Belmont and beyond!
Ensuring kids are adequately nourished supports both their physical and cognitive development. Fruit is rich in essential nutrients, high in fibre, supports immunity and cognitive function, and promotes healthy growth and development.
More than just feeding hungry tummies, fruit helps kids stay energised, focused and healthy in both body and mind.
The Fruit Van initiative is fully subscribed, however School Breakfast Program member schools in the Perth metropolitan area are welcome to join the waiting list by contacting schoolbreakfastprogram@foodbankwa.org.au.