The Australian government has invested $5.1 million, as announced in the 2023–24 State Budget, to boost funding for school breakfast providers in South Australia.
Foodbank SA and KickStart for Kids are the two key organisations delivering school breakfast programs. According to minister for education, training and skills of South Australia, Blair Boyer, funding for these organisations has been increased fourfold.
“The Malinauskas Labor Government committed to extra funding for school breakfasts to ensure no child would be turned away,” said Boyer.
“We did this by quadrupling the annual funding to the two providers, Foodbank SA and Kickstart for Kids.”
A pilot lunch program is also underway, delivered in collaboration with South Australian independent retail chain Drake’s Supermarkets in two primary schools. This pilot has been extended until the end of the year.
“We will continue to make sure that funding is directed to those most in need as we set young learners up for their best possible future,” he added.
“This is one of many cost-of-living relief initiatives to take the pressure off parents and support young learners achieve their academic potential.”
With growing demand, new data shows that 218 schools participated in the breakfast programme in 2024 — a significant rise, with participation increasing from 58 per cent of schools in 2023 to 70 per cent in 2024.
Schools have been able to work with breakfast providers to select the level of service delivery most suited to their community’s needs.