BEECHWORTH Secondary College is one of more than 1100 schools across the state serving free, healthy breakfasts with the School Breakfast Clubs program.

College principal Patricia Broom said the breakfast was served with healthy options including fruit catered for busy families.

“We’ve been undertaking this program over the last few years, and it’s offered twice a week,” she said.

The principal said students who miss out on a good breakfast can be affected by such things as lack of engagement and reduced attention spans in the classroom.

“A healthy breakfast is good for brain function and learning,” she said.

The School Breakfast Clubs provide free healthy breakfasts for every student – making sure they start the day on a full stomach, ready to learn.

The program also provides lunches, snacks and take-home food packs for students and families in need, delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria.

More than 100 new schools have opted in during the last 12 months, with the number expected to reach 150 by June this year.

This will give more than 600,000 students in throughout the state, including those in Northern Victorian schools, access to free breakfasts that meet healthy eating guidelines, prioritising fresh and locally produced foods.

Menu options include cereals, fresh fruit, soups and rice dishes.

Since the program was established, School Breakfast Clubs have served 52 million meals.

One hundred and forty schools have also hosted cooking classes for families to help them prepare healthy, affordable meals at home.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said everyone needs a helping hand from time to time.

“We’re proud to help hard working families through initiatives such as the School Breakfast Club Program,” she said.