Breakfast Club

Studies reveal that a quarter of all Australian school children consume nothing or just fluids for breakfast.  Further research has suggested breakfast consumption in children is important for cognitive function, logical reasoning and improving attention, memory and willing participation in physical activity.   We also know that regular consumption of breakfast is associated with reduced stress and a positive mood, and that children who eat breakfast generally do better at maths and are less likely to be described as depressed, anxious or hyperactive.

Our breakfast program is delivered by indigenous athletes who have been trained to connect with young people, teach life skills and develop a young people's problem solving abilities in a supportive manner. Students work from a one page worksheet which reinforces 5 key 'benefits of breakfast' points and a fun activity related to the nutrition theme for the week.   We also include a 'hot life-skills challenge' and a 'hot activity challenge' for children to focus on at home for the week. An information sheet for parents on the topic will be given to students to take home.

Key Objectives of the Breakfast Club:

   - To educate children and their families on the importance of good nutrition, in particular a nutritious breakfast.

   - To motivate children to make eating breakfast a daily habit.

   - To provide an opportunity for safe, enjoyable physical activity for primary school students.

   - To educate children and their families on the importance of regular physical activity.

   - To motivate children to be physically active each day by exposing them to a wide range of physical activities and skills.

   - To reinforce the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity, and mental and physical performance.

Xavier Clarke, Allan Murray and Raphael Clarke run the breakfast club from the St.Kilda Football Club once a week over an eight week period. If you know of an indigenous kid who may benefit from this excellent program please contact Unity Foundation (info@unityfoundation.org.au) to register their interest.