Food as a Stable Part of Routine

One of the most interesting things I learned from talking to the chefs at each The Home Project shelters was how crucial mealtimes are in the children’s schedule, as they serve as a stable, predictable part of their day. A regular schedule helps the children feel more safe and secure. In one of the houses, a chef shared the story of a teenage boy who broke a TV after not getting the food he expected one day. The food was not the source of the issue; rather, it reflected how easily built-up emotions can come crashing down when the expected, safe routine is out of sorts. This emphasised how important the regularity of mealtimes is for the kids, whose lives have often been devoid of a sense of permanence and security. We were also told how the caregivers can tell a lot about a kid's mental health through mealtimes. For instance, when something traumatic happens (like a child’s being denied asylum, arriving at a new shelter, or receiving a sad letter from home), the kids will often deny food, even forgoing their favourite meals. Mealtimes offer an easy way for caregivers to pick up on this change in behaviour and offer support.