By NICOLE VALICEK
CHILDREN in Hobsons Bay will get a kick-start to their day with the introduction of a breakfast program.
Altona North Primary School and Altona P-9 College are now running a KickStart Breakfast Club for their students.
The Foodbank Victoria initiative supplies quality food products to registered schools so that all students have an equal opportunity to receive a wholesome, nutritious breakfast on a regular basis.
The first breakfast was held at the primary school last week with an impressive 20 students enjoying its benefits.
Assistant principal Robyn Gregson expects the numbers will grow every day.
She said one of the biggest problems at the school was lateness, but was hopeful the program would encourage students to come to school in the morning.
Schools identified by the KickStart program are prioritised based on low socio-economic locations and in accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The Altona Community Bank Branch in partnership with the Rotary Club of Altona is helping sponsor the event.
Altona Rotary Club service director Jim Donnar said the club was proud to support a program to develop healthy eating habits that carried over to teen and adult years.
“This is such an important initiative for our club to support, providing students with opportunities to excel academically, emotionally and socially by providing a healthy start to their day,” he said.
Altona Community Bank Branch, senior manager, John Dawson had high hopes for the program.
“Studies show children who have participated in the program have enhanced attendance and learning outcomes,’’ he said.
