The kids at Buninyong Public in Dubbo start their day by tucking into eggs from the school's hens, mandarins plucked from trees in the playground or a bowl of cereal with fresh milk.
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The school is one of many in central-west NSW with a breakfast club, ensuring children have a good meal before class.
"Their tummy is not rumbling and it allows them to really focus," principal Anne van Dartel told AAP.
"There's a huge difference in kids' behaviour and attention spans after they've had breakfast."
The region's schools receive donations from churches, food banks and businesses to help families manage the rising cost of living, which is hitting hard in rural areas.
Little Big Dairy Co director Emma Elliott said her business began donating milk to schools and community groups about seven years ago, initially as a way to reduce waste.
But as the cost of food and fuel continued to soar, so did the demand for donations.
The dairy last year gave away 10,000 litres of milk to schools, sports clubs and community services across NSW and the ACT. Local demand more than doubled between July and August this year.
"A glass of milk or Milo is a real kid thing, it's a treat and they're really excited to have it," Ms Elliott said.
"Our community needs it more than ever. The breakfast clubs are busier, and there's more clubs starting."
Families across Australia are feeling the sting of rising grocery prices caused by supply chain disruptions and increased transport costs.
The price of dairy products rose by more than five per cent in the last year, while the cost of meat, fruit and vegetables increased by six per cent, according to the latest official consumer price inflation figures.
Petrol price hikes have intensified financial concerns for many country residents, who may need to travel long distances to a regional centre for fresh food.
On top of that, the effects of COVID-19 continued to make life more complicated for vulnerable people.
Matthew Ortiger, from Soul Cafe in Newcastle, which provides hot meals and groceries for those in need, said many community services closed their doors or moved online during the pandemic, leaving disadvantaged people further behind.
"There's a major increase in people whose situation is deeply and frustratingly complex. High-needs situations are just skyrocketing," he said.
The cafe, which relies on donations such as the dairy's milk, treats anyone who comes through their doors as a guest, not an addic or a patient.
"When we serve someone as a guest, that creates a community and makes a person feel valued. That's transformative."
Ms Elliott said the dairy wanted to help as many groups as possible.
"A meal is a love language, it's more than just fuel," she said.
Australian Associated Press
