A new program funded by the Labor Government of Victoria will see thousands of students fed through their school days when the free breakfast initiative rolls out by June 2025.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education Ben Carroll visited Ascot Vale West Primary School to unveil a groundbreaking investment of $21.1 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25.
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This funding will extend the School Breakfast Clubs Program to every government school for the first time, easing financial strain for families and supporting students’ well-being.
The expansion initiative will welcome an additional 150 schools into the program at the start of the next academic year, potentially benefiting up to 200,000 students.
The School Breakfast Clubs Program offers breakfast, lunches, snacks, and take-home food packs to students facing disadvantage or financial hardship.
“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach – that’s why we’re helping families by expanding School Breakfast Clubs to every government school, giving students a free, healthy breakfast before school every day,” Ms Allan said.
The program has delivered over 40 million meals, alongside practical cooking classes for families at 100 schools, since its inception in 2016.
This expansion initiative is part of the broader efforts by the Labor Government to address cost-of-living pressures for families.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll said the program greatly impacted students whose families need extra support.
“Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack, School Breakfast Clubs make a huge difference to students whose families need a little extra support to give their children nutritious meals that power their school day.”
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 allocates $287 million to support school families, including the introduction of the $400 School Saving Bonus.
This bonus aims to assist government school students and eligible concession card holders at non-government schools with school uniforms, camps, sports, and excursion expenses.
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