The David Wirrpanda Foundation has received a $75,000 grant from the US-based Newman’s Own Foundation, a private foundation established by the late actor Paul Newman. 

In the spirit of Merany Yanginy, meaning 'to give food' in local Nyoongar Aboriginal language, these funds will be used to fund the food expenses required for the foundation's 2013 programs.

All David Wirrpanda Foundation programs provide participants with nutritious snacks, such as fruit and vegetables, along with healthy diet education, dietician visits and cooking lessons for making simple, cost effective and healthy meals.

Without funding assistance, the foundation would struggle to provide the level of assistance needed to improve the overall health and nutrition of these Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.

The programs in 2013 will include 32 different weekly sessions, as well as 15 regional fly in/fly out school holiday programs. Over the past six years, the organisation’s programs have assisted more than 20,000 Aboriginal people.

Altogether, Newman’s Own Foundation will donate more than $1 million to Australian charities in 2012.

For further information on the David Wirrpanda Foundation, please visit dwf.org.au.