CHILDREN from local schools across the district will benefit from a healthier start to the 2016 school year. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, announced last Wednesday, December 2, that Broadford, Pyalong, Tallarook, Tooborac, Wallan and Whittlesea Primary Schools would be among the 500 schools across country Victoria participating in the Breakfast Clubs program. Ms Symes said under the $13.7 million Breakfast Clubs program, students will be provided with a free breakfast every day. With one in seven children arriving at school with an empty stomach, the provision of free breakfasts will ensure these students no longer go hungry and allow them to get the most out of their education, Ms Symes said. Under the program, participating schools with existing breakfast clubs will get their free food delivered directly to their door. And for the first time, hundreds of schools will be offering Breakfast Clubs for the very first time. The State Government has partnered with Foodbank the largest welfare food agency in Australia to establish and lead this statewide program, using their existing warehousing, storage and freight network. Ms Symes acknowledged the program as a way the State Government is helping families so that all children can reach their potential, regardless of their circumstances. We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day it sets our children up to concentrate, learn and be at their best, Ms Symes said.