Million dollar pledge to Queensland School Breakfast Programs.
The Palaszczuk Government will give an extra $1 million to Foodbank Queensland to massively expand its successful School Breakfast Program.
Foodbank Queensland currently supports 230 schools. Thanks to our fantastic supporters, we are able to supply bread, milk and fresh fruit. Products such as cereal and spreads are also available when in stock.
“With our funding injection of $1 million over four years, Foodbank will be able to support an additional 62 schools to provide another 500,000 breakfasts a year to an additional 8,060 children across Queensland,” previous Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
“It’s sad that in 2017, 67 per cent of teachers still report children coming to school hungry, with an average of three students in every class arriving hungry.”
“The successful School Breakfast Program invites all kids to attend, promoting social inclusion, and provides a fun, social family atmosphere. “Research has found that food relief allows children to have better focus and concentration, improves physical health, helps them to feel safe and increases attendance and performance at school,” Ms Fentiman said.
According to Michael Rose, Foodbank Queensland CEO, “within days of the election result announcement, Foodbank began working with members of the Department of Communities and others to connect nine school breakfast programs within Townsville.
Foodbank appreciates the support and extra funding to expand its School Breakfast Program and looks forward to working with the government and the department to identify the schools where support is needed.”