Breakfast Can’t Wait: Scots show strong support in new polling
Magic Breakfast strives to see a UK where every child is nourished, empowered, and thriving. Beyond delivering breakfasts in our partner schools, we promote the case for change to end child morning hunger.
In Scotland, we’re urging the Government to turn commitments into action as we mark the relaunch of our Breakfast Can’t Wait campaign.
In 2021, the Scottish Government committed to providing free school breakfasts in all primary and ASN schools. Scotland has made a promise, now it needs a plan.
Magic Breakfast is encouraging all parties across the political spectrum to make school breakfast a priority at the Holyrood election in 2026, to ensure that Scottish schools and children are not left behind.
Our sentiment echoed in new survey results
Parents, teachers and voters are all behind this. This is a policy with public support, proven results, and a clear next step.* And we’re pushing forward with our campaign to call for a comprehensive, clear plan for a national, school based, stigma-free breakfast programme.
Universal school breakfast is an investment in Scotland’s future, delivering real, lasting impact for pupils and families. Embedded into the school day and offered without stigma, free school breakfasts shouldn’t be restricted by year group. Every child, whatever their age, deserves the same fair start to the school day.
A compassionate step towards tackling child poverty
Right now, thousands of children in Scotland are still arriving at school too hungry to learn – to concentrate, participate, or thrive, undermining educational attainment, equity, and the nation’s child poverty goals.
A simple and affordable public service, investing in school breakfasts is also economically smart.
- It has the potential to return £50 for every £1 invested and prevents costs down the line in education, health, and inequality
- Scottish families want their taxes spent wisely – 75% of parents in Scotland say school breakfast is a good use of public money
Join our campaign
Morning hunger remains a barrier to education and the need has never been greater. Without a long-term plan, the promise remains unfulfilled.
Scotland has started the journey – let’s finish the job. Join our campaign to make universal breakfast provision a reality. Breakfast can’t wait any longer, and nor should our children.
*Survey conducted by Survation via an online panel or Scottish adults aged 18+ in September 2025, sample size 2,051.
