FOR just 70 cent per child per day, all children could start their school day with a healthy breakfast.
That’s according to Healthy Food For All, an initiative that has successfully piloted breakfast clubs in primary schools in Edenmore, Donaghmede, Swords and Cabra.
Local Senator Averil Power (FF) has backed the call for breakfast clubs to be set up in more schools, having seen the positive impact they have had on children in the pilot stages.
“I recently attended the launch of the report on the pilot breakfast club programme in St Eithne’s Girls’ National School in Edenmore and was extremely impressed by how successful it has been,
? Senator Power said.
“The club is run by a group of volunteers which includes teachers, parents and sixth class children. About 20 children come for their breakfast each day and are given a choice of healthy food and drink options.
“The school has reported a big improvement in the students’ attendance, energy and concentration as a result of the club.
“The emphasis on healthy food should also encourage the girls to eat healthier outside of school, which is really important given the alarmingly high rates of obesity among Irish children.
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Senator Power said that at just 70 cent per day, the cost of providing healthy school breakfasts is very low and the return is huge.
“I am urging the Government to provide the necessary funding to allow more schools to set up breakfast clubs,
? she added.
Reform Alliance TD for Dublin Bay North Terence Flanagan also praised the initiative.
“It is often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and is vitally important that all children attending school have breakfast each morning to give them the best start,
? he said.
“The Government must fully consider the possibility of funding the cost of breakfast clubs in all Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) schools in the next budget.
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