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 the Werribee electorate 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.

Schools in the Werribee electorate participating in the program include Westgrove Primary School, Werribee Primary School, Thomas Chirnside Primary School, Wyndham Park Primary School, and Manorvale Primary School, Woodville Primary School, Warringa Park School, and Manor Lakes P-12 College.

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 Werribee Tim Pallas

“Kids in the Werribee electorate can’t get the best out of themselves without a decent breakfast. That is why the school’s breakfast club is 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 the Werribee electorate, the program would be cut by the Liberals if they win the next election”