The Andrews Labor Government’s Breakfast Clubs program officially launched at 78 more primary schools across the state today, giving more Victorian children have a brighter and healthier start to the school day.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Preston Robin Scott joined students at William Ruthven Primary School in Reservoir to enjoy a healthy start thanks to the program.
William Ruthven Primary trialled its new breakfast club in Term 1 before launching it at the start of Term 2 complete with support from Foodbank and the Labor Government.
About 25 primary students attend the breakfast club daily during the school week, with William Ruthven Secondary College VCAL students preparing the food, fostering links between the secondary and primary schools.
One in seven Victorian children arrive at school hungry, meaning they struggle to pay attention throughout the day, which affects their ability to learn and do their best.
The $13.7 million Breakfast Clubs program will help improve student learning and attendance, while also building connections between families, schools and their local communities.
In total, 500 government primary schools will launch breakfast clubs this year. From Term 2, 250 primary schools will run breakfast clubs, serving more than 5500 breakfasts a day or 300,000 breakfasts over the term.
They will serve 50,000 litres of milk, 15 tonnes of baked beans, 23 tonnes of canned fruit, 10 tonnes of Vita Brits and 10 tonnes of oats.
The Labor Government has partnered with Foodbank to deliver breakfast clubs at primary schools throughout Victoria, using Foodbank’s warehousing, storage and freight network.
William Ruthven Primary will also get equity funding of $402,398 this year, a boost of $125,303 compared to 2015, as part of the Government’s Education State funding which provides extra $566 million to help schools and students most in need.
Quotes attributable to Education Minister James Merlino
“This year, the Andrews Labor Government is expanding breakfast clubs to 500 Victorian primary schools, ensuring every child starts the day on a full stomach so they can concentrate, learn and be their best.”
Quote attributable to Member for Preston Robin Scott
“Breakfast Clubs are just one way the Andrews Labor Government helping all kids in Preston and Reservoir to reach their potential.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020