Schools Breakfast Club Program delivers 40 millionth meal

THE Victorian government have served up their 40 millionth meal as part of the School Breakfast Club program.

The state’s program is delivered in partnership with Foodbank and provides free meals for those in need, with 1,000 primary, secondary and specialist schools participating.

“I want to thank and congratulate everyone involved in this beloved program – you have helped countless children have a nutritious meal every morning, and helped their families put affordable, healthy food on the table at home,” Minister for Education Ben Carroll said.

Ocean Grove’s Surfside Primary School implemented the breakfast club program as a way to develop leadership skills.

The school’s disability and inclusion coordinator, Gillian Hodgson, said the program has provided a range of benefits for the children, including leadership development, friendship, work ethic and more.

The program at Surfside Primary started with a group of Grade 5 boys who staffed the breakfast club, where they increased engagement in learning and promoted inclusion.

Ms Hodgson said the next wave of pupils have followed in their footsteps, also running special days and celebrating different events in the school.

“The student leaders currently running the breakfast club have fabulous teamwork skills, they allocate tasks and then get to work setting the scene for breakfast club to be a welcoming place for all students.”

There are a range of breakfast items available for students, filling their stomachs and preparing them for a day of learning.

The team at Surfside Primary School serve about 30 pupils breakfast every Thursday morning and are supported by one of the pupil’s parents, who looks after the orders and does any extra shopping.