Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino visited SPC Ardmona in Shepparton yesterday to highlight the Goulburn Valley company’s contribution to the Victorian Government’s School Breakfast Clubs Program.
Run by Foodbank Victoria, the $13.7 million program provides breakfast to 25,000 students at 500 disadvantaged primary schools across the state.
The vast bulk of the food products served up every day of the school year comes from Victorian businesses like SPC Ardmona. The company’s signature canned fruit has been a staple of the Breakfast in Schools program and in 2017 SPC’s baked beans and fruit cups were added to the menu.
In 2017, more than 23 tonnes of SPC Baked Beans and 109 tonnes of fruit products will be provided to students through the School Breakfast Clubs Program.
“The visit to the SPC Ardmona factory was another reminder of how valuable our Breakfast in Schools program is. Not only are we making sure Victorian kids don’t head to classroom with an empty stomach, we are supporting local jobs in the region,” said Merlino (pictured).
According to Reg Weine, Managing Director of SPC, the company is thrilled to be part of the program.
“We thank the Minister for Education for visiting SPC today to reinforce its commitment to the company and for continuing to purchase SPC products for this fantastic initiative,” said Weine.
“SPC will continue to develop innovative and convenient food products that meet or exceed the nutritional guidelines and that kids of all ages love to eat”.