Wimmera-Mallee schools can expect to see a return of free breakfasts for students in need, with a vital program set to expand in 2021. 

The School Breakfast Clubs program has reached a milestone, with schools participating doubling from 500 to 1000 across Victoria, allowing more students to learn with a full stomach and get the most out of school.

The State Government, in partnership with Foodbank Victoria, has invested $58-million to expand the program and will aim to provide lunches and school holiday supplies to those most in need.

Program leaders also plan to introduce cooking classes for parents and children at 100 schools in 2021.

Education Minister James Merlino said the program supplied more than 2.5-million meals to students despite a transition to remote and flexible learning in terms two and three in 2020. 

He said in term four, a further 1.2- million meals were provided to students, along with more than 6700 school holiday packs to support students and their families over the summer holidays. 

“We know children can’t learn properly on an empty stomach – that’s why we expanded our School Breakfast Clubs program to 1000 schools to help the students who need it most,” he said. 

“The School Breakfast Clubs program has gone from strength to strength making sure more students have access to healthy meals no matter what their background or circumstance.”

The entire January 20, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!