Thank you for contacting me about school breakfasts and giving children the best possible start in life.
I agree with you that all children should have access to a good breakfast before school for the benefit of their learning, attendance, behaviour and attainment. I know that Ministers also share this goal and are committed to ensuring that no child starts the school day hungry. It is welcome that many support programmes are already in place that provide healthy and nutritious breakfasts to many thousands of children across the country.
The Government has spearheaded numerous policy initiatives to ensure that no child goes hungry, such as the National School Breakfast (NSB) Programme. As you refer to, the Government has made positive steps by investing £24 million into school breakfast clubs over the next two years – supporting around 2,500 schools in disadvantaged areas.
In addition to the NSB Programme, I am pleased that the Holiday Activities and Food Programme is being vastly extended with up to £220 million of funding to provide enriching activities and a healthy meal for disadvantaged children. The programme supported children during the Easter and summer holidays and will continue to do so during the Christmas holidays in 2021.
I will continue to work to ensure all children get a nutritious breakfast before school and I know Ministers will continue to do the same.