This week we learnt that Warrnambool’s food-share program was providing up to 70 food hampers a week to families who would otherwise go without.

It is heartbreaking to think that there are families in our community who are struggling so badly that they can’t afford to feed themselves, but it is true.

Warrnambool and District Food Share is working harder for a number of reasons — the need is increasing, schools are becoming more involved and its profile is growing with increasing support from the community.

Schools are getting involved because they have to.

New figures released this week show that more children are turning up to class without breakfast.

Sixty-seven per cent of the nation’s teachers report children coming to school hungry because they have not eaten breakfast.

A quarter of those teachers say the problem is getting worse and having a detrimental effect on students’ learning.

Schools are now starting to think about how they can tackle the issue because a hungry student translates to an increased workload for already over-worked teachers at some schools.

Breakfast clubs, nurturing rooms and other similar programs aimed at providing kids with the right nourishment are gradually becoming an essential part of the school day.

It is sad, but it is also innovative, cost-saving and necessary for many students and families.

In Warrnambool, food share plays an important role in supporting this type of initiative and by the sounds of it will need plenty of ongoing help and support as demand grows.

There are myriad reasons why some parents or guardians can’t provide adequate nutrition for children in their care.

Collaboration between schools and groups like Food Share provide a safety net for the kids who might be showing signs of falling through the cracks.

They also help those children to learn.

More please.