From the first day of school next year, 14 schools dotted across Bendigo will be part of the Breakfast Clubs program. 

Golden Square Primary School will be one of the 500 schools across the state to get a healthier start and set students up for an energetic day of learning, Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said. 

“We know there are many children who come to school everyday and they haven't had an opportunity to have breakfast,” she said. 

“There are families struggling for a number of reasons, cost of living being one of them.”

Earlier this week the Bendigo Advertiser revealed rising costs of living were taking their toll on local families, including electricity bills, fuel prices, rentals and groceries. 

Ms Edwards said the state government was keenly aware of joblessness in Victoria, which she suggested would worsen when Toyota and Holden close in the state.

“The unemployment situation is dire,” she said. 

She said the breakfast program was just part of a broader package – including uniform and school camp help – to support struggling families. 

She called on the federal government to do more to support unemployed people. 

Axedale Primary, Bendigo Primary, Bendigo Special Developmental School, California Gully Primary, Egalehawk Primary, Epsom Primary, Kalianna Special School, Kangaroo Flat Primary, Lightning Reef Primary, Raywood Primary, Specimen Hill Primary, Weeroona College Bendigo and White Hills Primary schools will all be part of the breakfast club program.