16 October 2020

Thanks to the efforts of organisations and individuals across the country the School Breakfast Bill passed its first reading in Parliament on 13th October.

We’re grateful to everyone who wrote to their MP, signed the petition, watched our video, or shared their support on social media.

As a result, Emma Lewell-Buck MP presented the Bill knowing she had the backing of the public, and MPs heard her case knowing their constituents support it. If you haven’t had the chance, we highly recommend watching Emma’s speech.

The Bill is due to have a second reading on 26th February, where MPs will debate its main principles before voting on it. With over 1.8 million school age children at risk of hunger each morning, the School Breakfast Bill is needed more than ever.

Here’s a roundup of the highlights of the School Breakfast Bill campaign:

• 1902 members of the public emailed their MP via our online supporter action
• Over 31,000 signed a 38 Degrees petition
• 40 charities, unions, social action and voluntary organisations from across the food poverty sector and beyond joined us to support the Bill 
• Our campaign video has had nearly 30,000 views across social media
• As of now, over 70 MPs from all parties support the Bill.

On top of all this, we had some amazing celebrity support from the likes of actor James Corden, Bake-Off winner and author Nadiya Hussain, Gogglebox star Baasit Siddiqui, musician Yusuf/Cat Stevens and his Peace Train Foundation, and footballer Marcus Rashford MBE, all of whom share our commitment to ending child hunger and ensuring all children can achieve their potential in school.

Our corporate partners, Heinz and Kellogg’s, who continue to support our day to day school breakfast provision, also threw their support behind the School Breakfast Bill, recognising that permanent legislation is needed to solve this crisis. Our campaign was also covered in the Guardian, Inews and The Times Red Box as well as Times Radio.

We couldn’t be prouder of this coalition that has come together, but this campaign is not over.

We need your help to ensure the School Breakfast Bill is successful at its second reading on 26th February. We’re taking a few weeks to formulate our next move. In the meantime, please sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to keep up to date. Together we will ensure there is no child too hungry to learn.