Meals for Change subsidises healthy food for people aged between 15 and 25 who are being assisted by Ballarat’s support services. 

Under the program, young people get a meal costing up to $15 for $3. 

Project officer Jen Pollard said helping people get good food had a broad impact on their lives. 

“It works on three levels,” she said. 

“We know many young people at risk of homlessness or who are homeless are only eating one meal a day, and we’re not confident in the nutritional value of that meal. We know that when you eat well, you have a much better chance of doing well generally.” 

“The second part is really critical; keeping people connected, and linked to community life, it’s so important in stopping the fall into greater (problems).” 

The third part, Ms Pollard said, was that it allowed services to arrest somewhat a young person’s slide towards greater problems. 

The program has come about following a grant from Medibank Private announced last year and donations from Gandel Philanthropy and the Matana Fondation. 

It was launched on Monday, and currently seven cafes around Ballarat are offering subsidised meals. There are also Meals for Change donation tins around town. 

Ms Pollard said a similar program had run in Geelong for several years. 

“We know from other programs there’s improved outcomes in terms of re-engaging in the community, re-engaging in education and employment,” she said. 

“And we’ve seen some jobs come out of it, once a young person becomes known to cafe owners.” 

Participating cafe owner Kim Romeo said she was happy to be involved. 

“It’s just so important for these young people’s self-respect that they can...enjoy a cuppa and meal in the wider community.”