Education Minister James Merlino announced on Wednesday, January 13, that $58 million would be invested in the initiative, doubling the program to reach 1000 schools.
Across Shepparton, nine schools have secured a spot in the program: Bourchier Street Primary School, the Flexible Learning Centre, Gowrie Street Primary School, Greater Shepparton Secondary College, Guthrie Street Primary School, Shepparton East Primary School, St Georges Road Primary School, Wilmot Road Primary School, and Verney Road School.
The program, delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria, has delivered more than 15 million free meals for children across the state since it was established in 2016 — from quiche and toasted sandwiches to fruit and milk.
This year, it will provide lunches and school holiday supplies to children throughout Victoria, and deliver cooking classes for parents and children at select schools across the City of Greater Shepparton and the Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi and Strathbogie shires.
Harston Primary School principal Owen Holleran said he was delighted to have secured another spot in the Breakfast Club Program for 2021.
“In 2020, because of COVID-19 we received goods from Foodbank and distributed them in extensive hampers each term to our families,” he said.
“I have received great feedback and thanks from all our families.
“We plan to do the same in 2021 as well as running a modified program at school.
“Foodbank must be congratulated for the wonderful support.”
Greater Shepparton Secondary College's wellbeing and inclusion director Nick Bamford said the Breakfast Club was "one of the great success stories" for the college since its introduction in 2019.
“The research is clear: having breakfast has a positive impact on our students’ health, how they get along at school and their ability to concentrate and learn in class,” he said.
“At the end of the day it improves attendance at school and lifts academic outcomes.”
Foodbank Victoria chief executive officer Dave McNamara said the program provided "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,” he said.
The funding will secure the program through to 2023.
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