Tovey was at the school in support of Magic Breakfast’s Great Big Breakfast campaign – an annual event that raises funds to help more schools offer breakfast clubs for their pupils.
Increasingly, we’re seeing that food insecurity isn’t just the plight of the most disadvantaged families. More and more are struggling to put food on the table during the cost-of-living crisis. A recent report by the Food Foundation revealed food insecurity is rising at an alarming rate. Four million children in this country are now at risk of arriving at school hungry each morning, compared to 2.6 million in April 2022.
The campaign runs from Monday 17 to Sunday 30 April.
Head of Primary, Sophie Vellacott said:
“Ark Burlington Danes has been a Magic Breakfast Club member since 2020 and our club is about more than just providing nourishment. It’s an opportunity for pupils to form social relationships, play games and read books, often with children from other year groups.
“At Ark BDA, our vision is to ‘be the ones to make our world a better place’, so it’s vital that we’re feeding our young people so that they can be successful every day and go on to be the changemakers of the future. We’re delighted that actor Russell Tovey could join us for breakfast and witness this club’s impact on our school community.
“Each morning, we serve a variety of healthy breakfast options such as cereals, porridge and bagels with delicious toppings. Our goal is to address the affordability and accessibility of food within our community, ensuring all learners are well-fed at the beginning of the school day, This leads to motivated and engaged young people who are ready to learn. The Magic Breakfast Club also fosters a sense of social inclusion, allowing pupils to feel connected to the school community from the very start of their day. We are so grateful for our partnership with Magic Breakfast, which enables us to offer this provision for every family, every day.
“Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed sharing their favourite aspects of life at Ark BDA with Russell during his visit. We know how important breakfast is for everyone, and we’re proud to make it an integral part of the day for our entire community. The Magic Breakfast Club not only supports our pupils’ physical well-being but also removes barriers to education, helping ensure that all pupils have the fuel they need to feed their minds and bodies.”
Russell Tovey said: “One thing I am really passionate about is education. I loved school and the thought that there are millions of children in this country who are not able to enjoy it or concentrate because they are hungry is just totally unbelievable. It’s extremely shocking to me.
“Please support Magic Breakfast by getting involved with their annual Great Big Breakfast event. Host it in your house with all your friends, in your office, wherever. All we’re asking is that every person who takes part donates just £3, enough to feed a kid breakfast for two school weeks. Easy peasy right? It’s truly wonderful that Magic Breakfast is there and long may they reign. No kid should ever go hungry.”
Chief Executive of Magic Breakfast, Lindsey MacDonald, commented: “We are deeply concerned to see such a rapid increase in the number of families living with food insecurity. A Magic Breakfast makes a significant difference to many children, young people and their families, but we need your help. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people up and down the country gather with their friends, family, and work colleagues to enjoy a fun breakfast and help us in our fight to end morning hunger as a barrier to learning.”
Taking part is easy. Just visit Magic Breakfast’s website to sign up. Registration is free although there is a suggested £3 donation. Everyone who registers will receive an info pack via email. Next invite friends, family or even work colleagues to unite for a special breakfast at any point from 17th to 30th April and ask them for a minimum £3 donation to attend.
Russell’s visit was also featured in The Evening Standard.
