Premier Chris Minns doubles breakfast program to 1000 while touring East Hills Public School
The state government has committed to doubling a healthy breakfast program from 500 to 1000 schools at a cost of $8m in an effort to address cost-of-living pressures on families.
St George Shire Standard
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East Hills Public School’s newly refurbished breakfast eatery ensures no student goes hungry before class starts and now the state government has expanded its healthy eating program to help address the cost of living crisis.
The number of public schools participating in Foodbank’s Breakfast 4 Health program will double from 500 to 1000 over the next four years at a cost of $8m.
Premier Chris Minns made the announcement while touring East Hills Public School, an early adopter of the program, and served students at the canteen which was reopened this week after an upgrade.
Since the March election, another 17 public schools have started serving breakfasts and an additional 100 schools have applied and are being assessed.
“I have always said that as Premier I want to address the cost of living crisis and this is an important step to not only help families but also give our students the best start to every school day,” Mr Minns said.
“Making sure children are getting the most out of their time at school is my number one priority. This starts by ensuring they are not hungry in the classroom.”
The program has shown to improve students’ nutrition and eating habits, their mental and physical health, as well as learning, concentration and school attendance in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas.
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 on days the program was run.
Deputy Premier and Education and Early Learning Minister Prue Car said the government had made an investment in children’s education and was also helping families with cost-of-living pressures.
“This Foodbank program has brought benefits to East Hills Public School,” she said.
“We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and children can come to school to get a healthy breakfast; ready to start the day and learn from their wonderful teachers.
“Every parent and teacher knows what a cranky, hungry child is like and that child is not ready for learning.
“So we are making an investment to make sure we can double the amount of schools that can access this wonderful program.”
East Hills Public School principal Donna Casey said up to 80 per cent of students participate in the popular breakfast program.
“We have noticed an increase in student focus, engagement and emotional regulation throughout the day after the healthy breakfast,” she said.
“It’s also another way families can get involved in our school. Parents and younger siblings often join the students for breakfast, which is lovely to see.”
The 17 schools included of the program since March are Leumeah High, Kearns Public, Arndell in North Ryde, Blackwell Public in St Clair, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High in Emu Plains; Dareton Public, Cargo Public, Marks Point Public, Berala Public, Brisbane Water College in Woy Woy, Coffs Harbour High, Gwandalan Public, Kincumber Public, Lithgow Public, Oxley High in Tamworth, Reglan Public and Walgett Community College High.
Schools interested in participating in the program can apply directly to Foodbank via its website, and are assessed according to need.
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