In the city of Poznań and its surrounding districts, a quiet but powerful transformation is taking place for children living in poverty. For many, the struggle goes far beyond an empty stomach—it is a daily challenge shaped by family hardship, instability, and a lack of support. Recognizing this, local Tzu Chi volunteers, government officials, and schools have come together to ensure that no child is left hungry or alone.

Understanding the Roots of Hunger

According to official statistics, around 10% of children in Poland live in extreme poverty, facing the threat of hunger every day. Tzu Chi volunteers such as Lukasz Baranowski and Shu Erh Chang spent months visiting social welfare offices and schools, and conducting home visits to understand the root causes of child poverty in Poznań. What they found was sobering: many children came from families struggling with addiction, unemployment, or illness, leaving them without the care and nutrition they need to thrive.

Even though the government provides a monthly child allowance, some families are unable to manage these funds effectively, and the support does not always reach the children. As a result, many students arrive at school without having eaten breakfast or lunch, their learning and well-being at risk.

A Collaborative Solution: The Daily Nutritious Lunch Program

To address this, a new initiative was launched in early 2025: the Daily Nutritious Lunch Program. This program is the result of close collaboration between local Tzu Chi volunteers, schools, the Poznań social welfare office, and city authorities. On March 12, Lukasz Baranowski and Mayor Piotr Mieloch signed a formal cooperation agreement at the Środa Wielkopolska City Hall, witnessed by parliamentarian Marek Niedbala.

The program’s approach is comprehensive and deeply collaborative:

• At school, principals and counselors help establish “Tzu Chi Clubs,” providing regular care for students’ psychological and physical health.
• Tzu Chi Volunteers oversee the lunch providers, ensuring that every child in need receives a hot, balanced meal at school each day.
• Local government and social welfare offices work with parents, offering addiction counseling and job training to help families regain stability.

This integrated support not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also aims to rebuild family systems and create a healthier environment for children to grow.

Stories of Change: Children and Families Find Support

Among the many families benefiting from the program, some stories stand out. Nine-year-old Maria (alias), a student at a primary school near Poznań, lives with a mother suffering from severe depression and epilepsy, and a father unable to work due to a stroke. The family survives on a small agricultural pension, unable to provide Maria with regular hot meals.

“I used to feel dizzy from hunger at school. Now, the hot meals make me feel happy,” Maria shared shyly. With daily nutritious lunches, she is now able to focus in class, and her teachers have noticed her increased energy and participation.

Another child, thirteen-year-old David (alias), has ADHD and anxiety. His mother is in long-term psychiatric care, and his father relies on odd jobs. David's hunger and family stress once led to outbursts and emotional struggles at school. With steady meals and counseling, he has become more emotionally stable, and he is more willing to interact with classmates. His teacher remarked, “David's progress shows that proper nutrition and care outside the family can truly change a child’s future.”

A Community United for Children’s Well-Being

The March 12 ceremony was both solemn and heartwarming. Volunteers handed out prepaid lunch cards to each family, ensuring that from the next day, their children would receive a nutritious meal at school. Many parents were visibly moved, grateful for the support that would help their children learn and grow.

Mayor Piotr Mieloch emphasized, “This kind of partnership not only solves the problem of hunger but also helps restore family function. It’s a long-term strategy we are proud to support.” He hopes this model will inspire other towns to adopt similar approaches.

With Tzu Chi Clubs now established in several schools, ongoing care and follow-up are provided, including psychological counseling and vocational training for families. As resources and support networks grow, there is hope that even more children and families will benefit from this holistic approach.

Looking Ahead: Hope for Every Child

As one parent, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed, “When our children can eat a nutritious lunch at school and receive professional support, we see their true potential. We are grateful to everyone working behind the scenes to make this possible.”

Through the combined efforts of volunteers, government, and schools, a new light of hope is shining for vulnerable children in Poznań.

By Shu Erh Chang