The incoming NSW Government is to double the number of schools across the State offering free breakfasts to students.
Announced by new Premier Chris Minns, the Foodbank NSW & ACT program is to be expanded with State funding to ensure children across 1,000 Government schools start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
Mr Minns said the four-year, $8 million program would continue and expand Foodbank’s School Breakfast 4 Health program from 500 schools to 1,000 schools.
“With the growing cost of living pressures, 23 per cent of households in NSW are now classified as ‘severely food insecure’,” Mr Minns said.
“Making sure children are getting the most out of their time at school is my number one priority,” he said.
“This starts by ensuring that they are not hungry in the classroom.
“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.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said the program was a simple yet effective way to ensure children had a healthy start before a day of school.
“The School Breakfast 4 Health program has also helped with reducing absenteeism, improving punctuality, enhancing engagement and productivity in the classroom, and improving concentration,” Ms Car said.
“At Penrith Public School, 95 per cent of teachers noted an improvement in concentration from students who attended the breakfast program, 90 per cent reported greater levels of engagement and 88 per cent reported a positive lift in academic outcomes.”
