30 MILLION BREAKFAST CLUB MEALS AND COUNTING

The Andrews Labor Government has supported millions of Victorian kids to start the day right, with the 30 millionth breakfast served and further funding announced to deliver even more healthy meals for kids across the state.

Benefiting Victorian students who need a helping hand, the School Breakfast Club supports thousands of kids start their school day with a nutritious breakfast to help them get the most out of their education.

Visiting St Albans Secondary College today, Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins highlighted the success of the initiative and announced that participating schools will receive a $2,000 grant towards kitchen appliances, available to schools in coming weeks.

The Labor Government’s new $2.18 million investment will provide participating schools with the opportunity to order kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers, microwaves, toasters, sandwich presses, blenders and rice cookers through to the end of Term 2, 2023.

The program provides free healthy food for students and includes:

• delivery of healthy breakfasts in 1,000 primary, secondary, P-12 and specialist schools
• nutritious lunches and home food supplies for students in need
• practical cooking classes for families at 100 disadvantaged schools

Funding of $58 million over 4 years was allocated in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 to build on the program’s success and help more students get the most from their education by providing healthy, nutritious meals. The Labor Government has invested over $71 million in the program since its establishment in 2016.

The program has also played a vital role in providing food relief to school communities during periods of emergency and natural disaster, such as bushfires and recent flood events.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins

“We’re ensuring more Victorian students can start the day right, with access to the healthy breakfasts they need to get the most out of their day, and we’re proud to have done it 30 million times and counting.”

“The School Breakfast Club Appliance Grants will ensure all participating schools have the equipment they need to make serving nutritious and healthy meals at school that much easier.”