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Wandsworth Council doubles free breakfast scheme to reach more children

29 Jul 2024
Thousands more children will benefit thanks to the expansion of Wandsworth Council’s free breakfast scheme from 20 primary schools to 40.

The council works with Magic Breakfast to tackle food insecurity and make sure all children have access to nutritious and fresh food. The expansion comes after a successful year-long pilot.

More than 3,000 children received a free breakfast each day – nearly 60% of the children in each school. More than 90% of schools said it had a positive impact on children’s readiness to learn and 82% of schools said it improved attendance as well as punctuality. All the schools surveyed agreed that the breakfast pilot had eased pressure on family finances.

Kate Stock, cabinet member for children, said: “We believe that every child, whatever their background, has a right to decent food, and that no child should be expected to attend school on an empty stomach.

“We know that levels of food insecurity in London are rising. Our work with Magic Breakfast means children can receive a free breakfast without having to face barriers or stigma. It is one of the ways we are creating a fairer borough for everyone.”