RESIDENTS are being urged to help give Bacchus Marsh College students a healthy start to the day.
The school and Ballarat’s Child & Family Services want producers, grocers and other organisations to give to its twice-weekly breakfast program.
The program, which has been running for two years, is funded out of the school’s welfare budget.
“It was initially set up for a place for kids to meet up in the morning and have a talk and a hot drink and some toast,” assistant principal Warwick Beynon said.
“We were really pleased with the uptake by the kids and so decided to broaden it and make it part of the welfare program.”
Mr Beynon hopes that by involving agencies the school can expand the program and offer a broader menu.
“We’re mindful of the general understanding out there that breakfast is an important part of the day.
“Often kids come to school without having breakfast and we want them to have the best start to the day.”
The program began with a dozen students. Today, up to 50 students enjoy a hot drink, toast, cereal and fresh fruit.
“We’ve had really good feedback from the students,” Mr Beynon said.
“When you see them walk out smiling with a cup of Milo in hand on their way to class, it’s a good start to the day for them.”
CAFS manager Paul Huggett said community support would free up funds to be spent on other welfare services at the school.
“Bacchus Marsh College has been running the program themselves at considerable expense,” Mr Huggett said. “The way they maintain the program needs to be applauded.”
To support the breakfast, call the college on 53672955 or CAFS on 53679900.
