Children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Werribee will benefit from a healthier start to the 2016 school year after their schools signed up to the Breakfast Clubs program.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced the names of schools in Werribee participating in the State Government-funded program from Term 1 2016.

Under the $13.7 million Breakfast Clubs program, students who attend Victoria’s most disadvantaged government primary schools will be provided with a free breakfast every day.

With one in seven children arriving at school with an empty stomach, the provision of free breakfasts will ensure these students no longer go hungry and allow them to get the most out of their education.

Under the program, participating schools with existing breakfast clubs will get their free food delivered directly to their door. And for the first time, hundreds of schools will be offering Breakfast Clubs for the very first time.

The State Government has partnered with Foodbank – the largest welfare food agency in Australia – to establish and lead this state-wide program, using their existing warehousing, storage and freight network.

A total of 174 schools will join the Breakfast Club program at the start of Term 1 2016, with another 75 schools from Term 2 2016, and 251 on board from Term 3 2016.

Overall, 500 schools are participating in the Breakfast Club program.

Quotes attributable to Tim Pallas MP

“We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – it sets our children up to concentrate, learn and be at their best.

“The Breakfast Clubs program is another way in which the State Government is tackling disadvantage in Werribee so that all children can reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances.”

“We’re investing almost $4 billion to make Victoria the Education State, so every community has access to great local schools and every child gets the chance to succeed.”