In partnership with Sanitarium, the program sees Red Cross volunteers helping students prepare a nutritious breakfast, whilst educating them about healthy eating habits.

With the assistance of volunteers, the children participate in all aspects of breakfast, such as setting up, cleaning and helping others.  New programs have been launched this year at Mooroopna North, Corio, North Shore, Sunshine and the Woolum Bellum campus of Victorian P-12 College of Koorie Education. The Swan Hill, Glenroy and Mildura campuses of the Victorian P-12 College of Koorie Education will shortly their programs, brining the total number of Good Start Breakfast Clubs in Victoria to 28.

Australian Red Cross Victoria's Community Programs and Volunteer Development Coordinator Elias Lebbos says the Good Start Breakfast Club benefits the local Primary School as well as the wider community.

"Not only does the program provide breakfast to children who may otherwise go without, but by volunteering to serve breakfasts, local residents are contributing to their community and the Australian Red Cross," says Mr Lebbos.

Studies have shown that if children skip breakfast it can adversely affect their ability to concentrate at school, their social behaviour and their early physical development. Research also indicates a strong link between skipping breakfast and the onset of childhood obesity.

According to Sue Radd in 'The Breakfast Book', children who eat breakfast are more likely to attend school, be better behaved and have positive interactions with fellow students and teachers.

Peter Hall, former school teacher and Australian Red Cross Good Start Breakfast Club Project Officer, believes these results can be seen in the Good Start Breakfast schools throughout Victoria. 

"In some schools prior to the Breakfast Club, teachers noticed problem behaviour by about 10.30am due to irritability from hunger. Yet after the program was introduced, the children interacted better with their peers and were able to meet the demands of their day," he said.