Thursday, 7 December 2017

The Andrews Labor Government’s expanded School Breakfast Clubs have now served more than three million meals across Victoria – giving children from families in need in Gippsland a brighter and healthier start to the day.

Since the launch of the program at the start of last year, School Breakfast Clubs have been providing 50,000 free breakfasts every week at 500 of Victoria’s most disadvantaged schools.

Research has shown that since the program started, nine out of ten teachers have seen improved student concentration in the classroom, while seven out of ten teachers have noted improved attendance and more than eight out of ten teachers said they now had better relationships with their students.

Despite its success, the program would be cut by the Liberals if they win the next election. They have already promised a cost audit, which is code for cuts – cuts to breakfast clubs, cuts to the school uniform program and cuts to helping kids go to school camps and excursions.

The delivery of the $13.7 million breakfast club commitment is another example of how the Andrews Labor Government is tackling disadvantage and making things fair so that all children can reach their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The Labor Government is building the Education State and ensuring that every child has access to a first-rate education. A full list of School Breakfast Clubs can be found at: www.education.vic.gov.au/breakfastclubs Volunteering opportunities can be found at: www.foodbankvictoria.org.au/SBCvolunteers

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino:

“Students with a full stomach do better at school – it’s that simple. That’s why School Breakfast Clubs are so important.”

“But make no mistake; the Liberals will cut school breakfast clubs right across the state if they are elected.”

Quotes attributable to Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara:

“We look forward to continuing to support this program, providing more healthy breakfasts to help more kids start the day right.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Kids in Gippsland can’t get the best out of themselves without a decent breakfast. That is why the schools’ breakfast clubs are so important; it’s making a real difference for teachers and students.”

“Despite the success of kids having a brighter and healthier start before a day of learning in Gippsland, the program would be cut by the Liberals/National Coalition if they win the next election”