KickStart for Kids is proud to introduce a new addition to our school lunch support, with the rollout of mini muffins, designed by a nutritionist to help support students who go to school without breakfast and lunch.

The muffins will be distributed to schools as part of our emergency lunch program and will be available on days when children go without food. Offered in familiar chocolate and banana varieties, and made with added vegetables, the muffins help ensure children receive the nourishment they need to support energy and focus throughout the school day.

Food insecurity continues to affect families and children across South Australia and the broader community. Research by McCrindle found that 15 per cent of Australian children go to school without a packed lunch or lunch money, while broader national data indicates that around one in four Australian children experience school days without lunch.

For many children, missing lunch has a direct impact on their ability to concentrate, engage in learning and get through the afternoon at school. Teachers regularly report that hunger affects behaviour, energy levels and confidence in the classroom.

KickStart for Kids Founder Ian Steel OAM said the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that access to food is fundamental to learning.

“At KickStart for Kids, we firmly believe that education creates power and opportunity,” Ian said.

“When children come to school hungry or facing hardship, they simply can’t engage fully in learning. That gap compounds over time and can shape the rest of their lives. Initiatives like this are a practical way to make sure no child is expected to learn on an empty stomach.”

KickStart for Kids currently supports more than 360 South Australian schools, delivering breakfasts and lunches to children who would otherwise go without.

KickStart for Kids’ is now coming into its fifteenth year and continues to ensue children have access to food when they need it, helping them feel supported, focused and ready to learn.