At least 88,000 additional public school students can start their school day right, with a nutritious, free breakfast, as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to double the number of schools participating in Foodbank's School Breakfast 4 Health program.
The Minns Labor Government made a commitment in the lead up to the last state election to increase the number of participating public schools to 1,000 by 2027.
It is investing $8 million in partnership with Foodbank to give public school children the best possible start to their day, with the program having grown by over a third from 500 to 676 schools in less than two years.
New schools to take on the program in the last two years include Blacktown Girls High School, Birrong Public School, Melonba High School, Villawood North Public School, Whalan Public School, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School, Narellan Public School, Miller Public School and Maryland Public School.
Every day Foodbank staff and volunteers undertake a huge logistical exercise to supply high-quality breakfast foods including milks, juices, breakfast cereals, fruits and breads, so that every child enters the classroom well-fed, energised, focused and ready to learn.
Foodbank data indicates:
- 80 per cent of schools in the program reported an increase in attendance and;
- 89 per cent saw an increase in class engagement
The program improves students' nutrition, eating habits, boosts their mental and physical health and can increase learning. Schools have also reported improvements in school attendance and engagement.
The program runs in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas, and as the cost-of-living continues to affect many, this is one way Minns Labor Government is helping families make ends meet.
As work continues to grow the program further, the Minns Labor Government has been working closely with Foodbank to simplify and accelerate the onboarding process for schools, so they can access the program as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
"Parents and families are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living, which is why this program has been so important, particularly over the past two years.
"Across NSW, thousands of students are benefitting from free breakfasts at their school every day and starting the day full of energy, and ready to learn, thanks to the hard work of Foodbank staff and volunteers.
"The Foodbank program helps ensure children are given the best chance to be ready to learn when they enter the classroom while helping families with cost-of-living pressures."
Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:
"Knowing your child will have a healthy breakfast at school is a fantastic thing for all families, and sets our public school children up for success.
"It is fantastic to see this simple and effective program continue to be so successful at so many schools across NSW."
Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank NSW and ACT John Robertson said:
"We know that children learn their best when they have full bellies. We thank the Minns Labor Government for their continued support to help us get this vital program into more schools around NSW to ensure our future leaders have the best possible start to the day."
Lalor Park Public School principal Dee Taylor said:
"We're really grateful for our strong partnership with Foodbank. We have students from Preschool to Year 6 who know they can come to school and start the day with a nourishing breakfast.
"I can't overstate the positive impact breakfast has on our students' positive behaviour and ability to stay focused and engaged in the classroom throughout the morning.
"The program also helps teach life skills at Lalor Park - clearing your own plate, using manners and helping those around you are key values of breakfast club."
