On-site breakfast provision in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Australia: a multi-method investigation

Fruits and vegetables are rarely provided at breakfast in ECEC settings, and only a small number of ECEC services met high-quality breakfast standards, with those in socio-economically advantaged areas more likely to achieve these standards. Targeted interventions, particularly in disadvantaged areas, are essential to improve the quality of breakfast provision, with a focus on including fruits and vegetables in line with guidelines. While the findings of this study had jurisdictional limitations, this study highlighted the importance of addressing issues such as time constraints, budget limitations, and staffing shortages, along with establishing practical and clear breakfast guidelines to enhance the quality of breakfast provision in ECEC settings. Further research is needed to explore specific and actionable strategies for implementing these improvements.