OUR SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUBS PROGRAM SCORES AN A+ FOR 20 MILLION MEALS DELIVERED TO STUDENTS ACROSS VICTORIA!

The School Breakfast Clubs Program, now covering more than one thousand P-12 government and specialist schools right across Victoria, reached a significant milestone this year: 20 million meals served to students since its inception. These life changing meals were delivered through a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the schools, dedicated teaching staff and Foodbank Victoria - now in its sixth year.

In 2021-22 we saw innovation everywhere, ensuring that kids who needed the support of a healthy breakfast were still able to get their day off to the best possible start during COVID-19. Schools became nimble, rethinking how their School Breakfast Clubs stayed COVID-safe, while holding them in a space where students, teachers, parents, and volunteers (when allowed) felt comfortable and welcome.

Many schools switched from a sit-down style breakfast club to a ‘grab and go’ model, where kids passing through could choose pieces of fruit, a mini milk or fruit cups, and then go outside to eat — observing social-distancing guidelines. Some schools introduced music to create a positive outdoor environment while others found ways to deliver breakfast directly to those families in isolation who relied heavily on the Program.

TACKLING HUNGER IN THE CLASSROOM & BEYOND – 3.1 MILLION MEALS SERVED IN 2021/22!

The School Breakfast Clubs Program delivered 1.7 million kilos of food or the equivalent of 3.1 million meals to support student learning and wellbeing –serving the community way beyond breakfast.

THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUBS PROGRAM PROVIDES MORE THAN JUST NUTRITIOUS FOOD – IT IMPROVES CONCENTRATION, BUILDS SOCIAL SKILLS, AND GIVES KIDS A BETTER CHANCE TO CREATE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES THROUGH LEARNING.

Lunch and Home Food Pack programs provided additional food relief for students who needed it. This support extended to times when kids may have been at home (school holidays or COVID-19 isolation, for instance) and with the broader school communities as well.

The Program menu had a revamp during 2021/22, adding bread along with an additional snack and lunch menu item which received a big thumbs up from schools.

There was also a focus on adding food that met specific dietary requirements. Based on the feedback from schools, the program menu now includes gluten-free products and lactose-free milk.

As we head into the new financial year, we look forward to the continued evolution of the School Breakfast Clubs Program to meet the demand and the needs of students from all demographics, cultural groups, and schools.