According to survey results* released by Kellogs, seven out of 10 teachers say not enough is being done to tackle the issue of children going hungry in Ireland, while 76 per cent of teachers surveyed said that an increase in the number of breakfast clubs in our schools would help tackle this problem.

41 per cent of teachers said that the number of children who are going hungry has increased in the last year and this number increases to over a half (55 per cent) of teachers who are teaching in Deis schools. There are over 500 breakfast clubs operating in schools and other community settings which provide children with breakfast before school in a calm environment.

An Tánaiste, Joan Burton joined children and teachers at Blakestown Community School in Dublin yesterday to launch the Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards which will reward and celebrate the hard work that schools and community groups put into running these important pre-school clubs.

Commenting on the launch; An Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton said; “I am an avid supporter of Breakfast clubs and in 2015 I increased the funding available for the School Meals Programme by €2 million to €39 million. I know that if more schools could provide this service it means that children come to the classroom better equipped to succeed. This is something that is a priority for my Department; officials are currently processing applications for this academic year and funding is being prioritised for breakfast clubs.”

The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Awards are open to schools and community groups in the Republic of Ireland with each club in with the chance of winning up to €1,500 for their club.

Jim McNeill, Kellogg’s Ireland said: “It’s a crying shame that so many children are going to school without having eaten a basic breakfast. That’s why Kellogg’s has supported 120 breakfast clubs across Ireland over the last three years. The Breakfast Club Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful club. ”

There are three categories including Breakfast Club of the Year, Best New Breakfast Club and Breakfast Club Hero. Provincial runners up for Breakfast Club of the year will also be picked in Leinster, Munster and Connaught / Ulster. Entries can be made via email at breakfastclubawards@murrayconsultants.ie from September 7th until October 15th. Winners will be invited to the National Breakfast Club Awards in Dublin City Centre on November 27th 2015.

Source: Press Release

Teachers Survey
 
*A survey of 408 teachers was carried out via B&A’s online panel, Acumen Online. Fieldwork took place 16th – 30th April 2015. 24% of the responding sample were from Deis schools, broadly reflective of the national picture. 

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