Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Narre Warren South electorate school breakfast clubs

Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:24): (1100) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Education and concerns the school breakfast club program. The action I seek is that the minister provide an update on the program’s impact on families in my electorate of Narre Warren South.

We know that families need support to ease cost-of-living pressures, and the Allan Labor government’s school breakfast club program is giving them one less thing to worry about by serving free, fresh and healthy breakfasts to students. This program is really important in my community. It makes sure that no matter where a child lives or goes to school, they have got the food they need to start off the day right and to continue to learn and to grow. I know for working families in Narre South this program means students who need a bit of extra support have a meal available to them. This leads to improved student engagement and concentration, enhanced social skills and better academic performance. Over 100 new schools have opted in during the past year, bringing the number of schools taking part in the program to 1100, with this number set to grow by June of this year. I would like to thank our delivery partner Foodbank, as well as the staff and teachers at local schools in my area who help support the program.

The school breakfast club program builds on other cost-of-living supports, including the $400 school saving bonus and free dental check-ups in school provided through the Smile Squad program. I look forward to sharing the minister’s response with my community.