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One big thing
Townsville-based charity Fuel for Schools has secured a $20,000 CommBank Staff Foundation grant to help support its initiative that feeds local kids, removes stigma and keeps them in class.
We spoke to Paddy Pool, Operations Manager at Fuel for Schools, to find out more.
Why it matters
New research from Foodbank notes rising food insecurity, with schools feel it first.
Working to help solve this problem, the Fuel for Schools charity’s simple idea is: When kids know a meal is there, they feel safe and settled in the classroom, and learning follows.
By the numbers
- The Commbank grant has gone to 1,500–2,000 backpacks, a part of the program that helps kids via school chaplains, a critical component allowing food and school items to be appropriately transported for the day
- 8,000–8,500 meals each week are helping kids and families across the state (current run rate, but growing fast)
- 42 schools across North Queensland are currently involved, from north of Cairns to the Burdekin, including Townsville, Palm Island, Charters Towers and Mount Isa and areas in between
- The charity is fully DGR-endorsed, enabling donations to be fully tax-deductible
Zoom in
Looking into the program more closely, they not only help kids in schools, but also families and kids going through domestic violence issues or natural disasters.
The Commbank $20,000 grant, in particular, will underwrite the backpack program this school year, getting essentials into the hands of kids who need them most.
The grant followed a nomination by local CommBank staff member Belinda, who has previously volunteered with the charity.
How it works
Based in Townsville, the charity has grown town by town, working with strategic partners, such as Commbank, to help support their hard work.
Many staff also volunteer at brekkie clubs to help support the workload.
Registered with full DGR status, allowing tax-deductible donations, and intentionally non-government-reliant support is resilient to political and economic cycles.
Origin story
The charity began by replacing shopping bags with school bags. That grew into a structured backpack program alongside daily breakfasts.
During disasters, they pivot fast. After flooding in Ingham, they helped get kids back to school and the local community.
What they said
Speaking with Paddy, he said if a child turns up hungry or without basics, learning stalls.
“We help feed kids in need so they can turn up and learn”
“The guts of our charity is to encourage kids to come to school and regardless of whether they have food or not, and avoid any embarrassment of not having food.” “Fuel for Schools focuses on attendance, dignity and a fair start.”
“We’ve built a sustainable, business-backed model, and these grants and partnerships help us to continue to do more of the more we are doing.” “We’re DGR-endorsed, so donations are tax-deductible.”
“Partners can see exactly where their money goes.”
What’s next
After four–five years of growth, Paddy is currently the sole employee, with plans to add staff in 2026 to expand reach across North Queensland while maintaining the business-backed model.
Fuel For Schools is one of 27 Queensland recipients, and 180 community organisations nationally, sharing in $4.2 million in funding through CommBank’s 2025 Community Grants program.
How to help
Any donation = real impact towards meals or other areas of the program.
Set up a one-off or monthly gift via the Fuel for Schools website below.
Note: This grant is part of CommBank’s Staff Foundation Community Grants program, following a local staff nomination by Belinda.
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