Since partnering in 2022, Zurich Community Trust (ZCT) has enabled Magic Breakfast to deliver a phenomenal 2.6 million breakfasts to pupils at our partner schools.
Throughout the partnership, staff at ZCT offered their time, skills and expertise, and by collaborating with Magic Breakfast, we were able to develop a costing analysis of our national school breakfast policy. This has been instrumental in unlocking new opportunities to influence leading policy makers, and ultimately our success in the government’s new commitment.
As the partnership comes to an end, we spoke to Samantha Owen, Interim Head of ZCT, about highlights throughout the past few years, and what we have achieved. We’re so pleased that the legacy continues as Magic Breakfast’s partnership developed with Zurich Insurance UK, goes from strength to strength, celebrating more than 100,000 breakfasts.
Hi, could you tell us about ZCT and what your role is?
Zurich Community Trust is the independent charitable arm of Zurich Insurance in the UK. We recently celebrated our 50th anniversary! We donate over £2m every year to local and national charity partners, chosen by our employees and trustees.
After 21 years working in Corporate Social Responsibility in the UK and USA, I finally achieved my dream role when I become the interim Head of ZCT in February.
When did you first hear about Magic Breakfast?
I first came across Magic Breakfast when I started working for Zurich UK. It’s a charity which is close to so many people’s hearts. To have partnered with Magic Breakfast for the last four years means so much to ZCT and Zurich UK.
What has been a highlight of partnering with Magic Breakfast?
Our partnership has delivered extraordinary impact, with innovative expansions through café till donations and customer surveys adding 100,000 more. A highlight was a skilled volunteer opportunity that helped generate the evidence the charity needed to engage with politicians. These efforts have ensured thousands of children start their day ready to learn, while also demonstrating how corporate support can drive both grassroots change and national policy influence.
Of course, we have to ask… what’s your favourite breakfast?
Having lived in Scotland for five years, I have to say I love a traditional Scottish breakfast, particularly the Lorne sausage and haggis!
And finally, what would you say to other organisations looking for partner with Magic Breakfast?
Do it! The work that Magic Breakfast do has a direct and powerful impact, ensuring children start the day with a nutritious meal so they’re ready to learn, thrive, and reach their full potential. Our experience has shown that collaborating with Magic Breakfast not only supports children’s wellbeing and educational outcomes, but also helps organisations make a meaningful, measurable difference in the communities they care about. If you want your partnership to have real impact, Magic Breakfast is a fantastic choice.
Are you interested in partnering with Magic Breakfast? You can support us in our mission to champion and provide nourishing breakfasts that help children and young people learn and thrive.
