Your questions answered: Why should schools provide breakfast instead of parents?

On the surface, breakfast might seem like the cheapest meal of the day. Unfortunately, for millions of families across the UK, even the most basic items can be out of reach.

2.7 million children and young people live in households that experience food insecurity. That means families might not know where their next meal is coming from, or they are having to compromise on food quality. Energy bills, rent, transport, and other essentials all compete for a slice of a family’s weekly budget.

It’s also clear that parents are putting their children first. Shockingly, almost 1 in 5 parents report skipping meals so their children can eat. This all highlights the impossible choices many families face.

But school breakfasts aren’t just about money.

They also help parents to juggle work and childcare. Parents might need to travel a long way for work, or use public transport. Knowing that they can drop their children off at a school breakfast club can be the difference that allows them to go to work, which is essential to improve their family’s quality of life.

Plus, it’s important to remember that going without breakfast doesn’t just affect low-income families. Even children from well-off households sometimes miss breakfast due to busy mornings, lack of time, or other challenges. School breakfast provision makes sure no child is left starting the day hungry, distracted, and unable to focus.

So, when people ask why parents can’t just buy breakfast for their children, the answer is that it’s rarely a question of will – it’s about circumstances. By providing school breakfasts, we’re not replacing parents. We’re supporting them, and helping to give every child the best possible start to their day.