Nearly 6000 Victorian government holiday food packs were delivered to families over the summer break, as well as 28 million meals provided to students in Victorian schools as part of the School Breakfast Clubs program.
Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the government was making sure Victorian students were still getting access to healthy meals during the school holiday period.
“We understand that programs like the School Breakfast Club provide many students and their families with a helping hand and that’s why providing holiday food packs over the summer break is so important,” she said.
Delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria, the program provides free healthy food to students at 1000 government schools.
Healthy breakfasts are available to all students under the program, with home food supplies and lunches, including holiday supplies, provided to students needing extra help.
In addition, the government said Foodbank Victoria operates mobile supermarket buses that visit schools around Victoria to provide healthy and nutritious food to families in need.
“Feedback from schools has shown the School Breakfast Club program has delivered benefits beyond making students happier and healthier,” the government said.
“It has also fostered a sense of connection for students and the school community, improved student engagement and concentration, strengthened staff-student relationships, enhanced social skills and improved academic performance.”
