School Breakfast Program
Maryborough District Health Service is the lead agency in a partnership of organisations across the Shire that are working together at the Maryborough Education Centre for Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 children with the aim of providing children with a nutritious breakfast and social support amongst their friends and adult volunteers. It is designed to prepare children for learning and assist them in reaching their full potential.  At this stage it is running only one day a week with plans being made to extend the program.

The breakfast program is exciting from a number of perspectives: Firstly, it brings together a number of organisations to work in partnership with the school in providing breakfast for young children rather than leaving the school to tackle this alone.  Secondly, the program has copied aspects of successful programs and eliminated the problems those programs experienced.  Thirdly, and most importantly, the program has been incorporated into the school curriculum with senior students at the school delivering the breakfast program to the younger students as part of their VET hospitality work requirements.

Who is it for?
The program is open to all children in Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2.  This not only ensures that all children can have a nutritious breakfast and enjoy the social support of their friends and adult volunteers, but that the possible stigmas associated with participation are reduced.  The program is a hand of support to young people who because of circumstances over which they have no control, are at risk of suffering the negative consequences of poor childhood nutrition. 

Children receive wholemeal toast with Capillano Honey or Vegemite and a cup of milk Milo.  According to Maryborough District Health Service dieticians this provides a good mix of complex carbohydrates and protein to help children concentrate for longer.

Why is it important to provide a nutritious breakfast to our young children?Many nutritionists consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day.  It assists children's physical, mental and emotional development.  Children who miss breakfast are less able to concentrate, are more prone to fidgeting and find learning difficult.  There is also evidence to suggest that children who miss out on a healthy breakfast are more likely to suffer from obesity later in life.

How can you get involved?
There are two main ways you can support the Breakfast Program: 
Volunteer – the role of volunteers is critical to this valuable program continuing.  By giving one hour of your time every few months, you can help this program continue. 
Sponsor the program – you or your organisation can sponsor the program by donating even a small amount of money.

To assist in either of these two ways please ph: 5461 0400, leave your details and our program coordinator will contact you.