A first job full of fun and learning

CHILDREN across the Surf Coast are getting their first taste of work and the response from young volunteers has been huge.

Feed Me Surf Coast’s coordinator Brooke Murphy is elated that the charity is providing its new ‘Mini Feedsters’ with the first of many jobs they will hold in life.

“Our Mini Feedsters are now running the Sunday chaos and learning a whole host of new skills in the process. Things like learning the point-of-sale system, serving coffee to shoppers, and reconciling the till at the end of the day just to name a few of the tasks they undertake in a day,” Ms Murphy said.

“But the most important aspect for them is they are getting an entry into their first jobs.”

Feed Me Surf Coast’s days of operation have also increased to seven as a result of the extra hands-on deck, having traditionally been open six days a week.

Participants at any age under 18 are encouraged to come along and earn some work, which will help form valuable resume experience for later on in life.

Ms Murphy believes working at a food rescue organisation like Feed Me Surf Coast is particularly educational for the new volunteers.

“We are introducing kids to our full food supply chain and the catastrophic problems we are facing regarding plastic, packaging and what we pay to dispose of it,” Ms Murphy said.

“They are also seeing how much food wastage there is in addition to the food we are de-packaging once we deem it not suitable for human consumption.

“These lessons may alter how the kids responsibly shop for food down the line and I’m finding that a lot of parents are telling me their kids are enjoying maths a lot more now than before.”

The interview process to get involved in the Mini Feedster program is a straightforward one.

“This Mini Feedsters initiative caters to anybody and any family with a Sunday afternoon to spare from 12-3pm,” Ms Murphy said.

“All kids have to do to get involved is come in or get in contact, it’s as simple as that.

“There is always adult supervision, and the benefits are countless for kids looking for a first job.”

If this program sounds beneficial get in contact by email at [email protected] or visit the warehouse located on 7-9 Cylinders Drive.