News

• Albemarle’s Community Grants Program helps provide healthy dinner choices to members of a South West youth hub
• Lot 208 has resumed its weekly program to educate youth about positive nutrition options

Albemarle’s Community Grants Program has helped keep healthy food options on the weekly menu at a youth hub based in the South West.

Lot 208 Youth Inc. in Australind is using their grant to purchase healthy dinner ingredients for its weekly program ‘Youth Space Your Place’, which provides nourishing meals to its members and educates them about good nutrition choices.

Up to 150 youth, aged between 12 and 18, attend the program every month, and after a short summer break, the program has resumed for the year.

Albemarle Australia External Affairs Vice President Beverley East said the company’s grants program helped support a range of community-based initiatives across the South West region.

“We look to contribute to the community in real ways that provide tangible outcomes – aligned with our business purpose of helping to build a more resilient world,” Ms East said.

“Supporting young people to learn positive life skills and to create fun and safe places for them to come together is vital to building community fabric and we’re pleased to be able to assist Lot 208 with their important work. ”

Lot 208 Youth Inc Manager Avani Shah said its ‘Food-Frenzy’ initiative relied on grants and contributions to keep operating.

“We really want to educate young people about making good food choices,” she said.

“We provide a range of healthy dishes, including spaghetti bolognese, nachos, pasta bake, quiche and fried rice and our members are given an opportunity to create a meal plan and participate in the meal preparation, presentation and clean up.

“Without this opportunity to a healthy meal, 20 per cent of the youth attending are disadvantaged and also at risk as families struggle to feed them an adequate healthy meal.”

Ms Shah said the not-for-profit organisation had delivered youth services within the Shire of Harvey for over 17 years, and attracted many youth members from neighbouring towns including Eaton and Donnybrook.

“This is due to the regular opening times, the safe and welcoming environment, the opportunity to speak to qualified youth workers and the highly regarded and respected youth service.”