Need For Red Cross Breakfast Programme Increases

NEWS RELEASE

2 February 2009

Need For Red Cross Breakfast Programme Increases

As the new school year dawns for New Zealand Red Cross volunteers, it is time to break out the toaster, crack open the milk and welcome children to the Red Cross Breakfast in Schools Programme.

Every morning before the bell rings at 46 primary schools across the country, children are receiving a healthy start to the day thanks to New Zealand Red Cross and Countdown Supermarkets.

On average every morning, over 1600 children enjoy a healthy breakfast of toast, cereal and a hot drink at the breakfast programme.

New Zealand Red Cross Community Services Manager Sara Williams says there has been a sharp increase in the number of participating schools in the past 12 months and both New Zealand Red Cross and Countdown are keen to see the programme continue to grow across the country.

“Research we completed last year shows that the Red Cross Breakfast in Schools Programme is playing an important role in ensuring that those children who take part are getting an opportunity to achieve their learning potential. Teachers reported better concentration, better behaviour and more energy.”
“The number of schools offering the programme has increased considerably in the past year, up from 18 this time 12 months ago. The economic situation may well be playing a part, but the reasons why children come to school hungry are complex and they vary across the country,” says Ms Williams.

The programme is available to all decile one primary schools in New Zealand with Countdown Supermarkets supplying the food and New Zealand Red Cross responsible for administration and training of volunteers.

The Red Cross Breakfast in Schools programme launched in May 2007 and since then over 175,000 breakfasts have been served.

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