Students at government schools throughout Victoria will be able to enjoy a free breakfast in an effort to help families with the cost-of-living.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Education Minister Ben Carroll visited Ascot Vale West Primary School to announce the $21.1 million investment from the 2024-25 state budget to expand the School Breakfast Clubs Program to every government school– for the first time.
Ms Allan said kids can’t learn on an empty stomach.
“That’s why we’re helping families by expanding School Breakfast Clubs to every government school, giving students a free, healthy breakfast before school every day,” she said.
This expansion will see 150 additional extra schools invited to join the program at the beginning of next year, before rolling out to remaining schools from June 2025.
One thousand schools already participate in the program, which provides healthy breakfasts for students, as well as lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students experiencing disadvantage or financial strain.
The state government said going to school hungry has a big impact on children’s learning and affects their behaviour, ability to concentrate and ability to retain information.
Food provided through School Breakfast Clubs meets Healthy Eating Guidelines, prioritises fresh foods and caters for different preferences, with menu options like cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.
