Hundreds of thousands of Victorian students are now starting the school day with full stomachs, clearer minds and better moods, with the Andrews Labor Government’s School Breakfast Clubs program celebrating 20 million meals served.

Wyndham MPs Tim Pallas, Jill Hennessy and Sarah Connolly today celebrated the program’s huge milestone in schools across Victoria – including 737,522 at Wyndham schools.

Feedback from schools has shown the program has had benefits beyond making students happier and healthier – it has led to greater social outcomes for students and the school community, improved student engagement and concentration, strengthened staff-student relationships, enhanced social skills and better academic performance.

Since being established, the program has not only delivered more than 20 million nutritious meals but has continued supporting students with access to healthy food despite periods of remote learning during the pandemic.

Smaller breakfast clubs were run at school for students who were permitted to learn onsite, as well as ‘grab and go’ meal options for students to take home, food provided for families to collect from school sites to keep kids fed at home, with supplies even delivered to the homes of vulnerable students.

In addition to delivering healthy breakfasts to students in 1,000 primary, secondary and specialist schools, the program provides nutritious lunches and holiday food supplies to students in need – and delivers cooking classes for families for around 100 schools across the state.

School Holiday Supply packs are also available for schools to order over the summer school holiday period for families who need support.

Nearly 40,000 packs have been distributed since the program began, with the 14-day food packs expanded last year to include lunch items in addition to healthy breakfasts and snacks.

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Kids just can’t learn well on an empty stomach – and this program has made such a difference in the lives of many thousands of students who need a bit of extra support to have a nutritious, delicious meal every morning.”

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“We know the many benefits of starting the day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast. It’s fantastic that our Government’s School Breakfast Clubs program has delivered 737,522 meals locally, and continued support for students during periods of remote learning through the pandemic.”

Quote attributable to Member for Altona Jill Hennessy

“No child should have to start a school day without a proper breakfast, and our School Breakfast Clubs Program has gone lengths to ensure that no matter how busy or tough it might be for families each morning, that kids get a nutritious meal to support their energy, learning and wellbeing needs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly

“Every child deserves to have the best start to the day. With our School Breakfast Clubs Program delivering nearly 750,000 meals to students across Wyndham, we’re ensuring that our kids are energized and ready to learn in the classroom.”