MORE than 1100 schools across the state are now serving free, healthy breakfasts as part of the School Breakfast Clubs Program.
School Breakfast Clubs provide free healthy breakfasts for every student—making sure they start the day on a full stomach, ready to learn. It also provides lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students and families in need, delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria.
A $21.1 million boost in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 has made the program available to every government school, building on the $141.2 million invested in the program since 2016.
More than 100 new schools have opted in during the last 12 months, with that number expected to reach 150 by June.
This will give more than 600,000 students across the state, including those in Northern Victorian schools, access to free breakfasts that meet healthy eating guidelines, prioritising fresh and locally produced foods. Menu options include cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.
Since the program was established, School Breakfast Clubs have served 52 million meals. 140 schools have also hosted cooking classes for families to help them prepare healthy, affordable meals at home.
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, says it was a key initiative to help kids attack a school day.
“Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time and we’re proud to help hard working families through initiatives such as the School Breakfast Club Program,” she said.
