Australian teachers have spoken up today about Aussie kids unable to reach their full potential because they are missing breakfast, and with one in seven children missing breakfast daily[1] the impact of missing the first meal of the day is prevalent.

According to Foodbank Australia’s Hunger in the Classroom report released today, 95 per cent of teachers surveyed said it was difficult for students that come to school hungry to reach their full potential academically, and in physical activity such as sport.

Worryingly teachers estimated as part of the report that the average student loses more than two hours a day of learning time when they come to school hungry. Over the course of a year this tallies to in excess of a whole term of learning time.

The report’s results underline the need for Kellogg’s donation of three million serves of cereal to Foodbank, which has been announced today. This cereal will go to children and families in need in an effort to provide support for those that currently start their day hungry and is part of Kellogg’s global Breakfasts for Better Days™ initiative, and Foodbank’s upcoming nationwide shopper campaign to raise more staple foods – Food Fight.

Foodbank CEO Jason Hincks said the Hunger in the Classroom report highlighted a hidden issue facing children nationally.

“The positive side to this report is hearing teachers share the beneficial impact of providing breakfast via school breakfast programs. Children are having better relations with staff and the broader community, their school attendance is improved, and it’s doing good things for their physical and mental wellbeing,” Mr Hincks said.

“This donation of three million serves of cereal from Kellogg’s will undoubtedly help provide much needed assistance to fill hungry stomachs.”

Kellogg’s senior brand manager Janine Brooker said she was proud of the donation.

“Relieving hunger at breakfast for children and families in need is an issue that is close to my heart as a mother, as well as something that is part of Kellogg’s philanthropic DNA,” Ms Brooker said.

This dedication to giving is seen in Kellogg’s global Breakfasts for Better Days™ commitment to donate one billion serves of cereal and snacks between 2013 and 2016. Kellogg’s in Australia and New Zealand committed to donating 12 million serves and reached this target two years early at the end of 2014.

“However, we wanted to do more and the Hunger in the Classroom report shows exactly why Kellogg’s is continuing to support Foodbank, whom we have partnered with for the past 17 years,” Ms Brooker said.

“Our relationship with Foodbank has seen millions of serves of cereal donated, and contribution towards the opening of 33 new Foodbank School Breakfast Program clubs nationally this year.”

Shoppers can join the campaign by purchasing specially-marked packs of Kellogg’s cereals from their local Coles, Woolies or IGA stores, which hit shelves in July. For each pack they purchase, it will help to provide breakfast to children and families in need in Australia. 

For more details on the Hunger in the Classroom report visit: www.foodbank.org.au.