The Greggs Breakfast Club programme was started in 2000 with the aim of providing a free, nutritious breakfast for primary school children in areas of particular social disadvantage. The supply of cereals, fresh bread and milk has contributed to improved attendance and classroom performance and to strengthen the relationship between the schools and their local community.

The Greggs Breakfast Club provides a great start to the day to pupils in more than 120 schools and with new clubs being established, this number is expected to double in the next few years.

Why do we do this? Sir Michael Darrington first came across a breakfast club in a deprived area of Newcastle and thought that this was an area in which we as a company could make a difference. It benefits many of our customers and staff who have children in these areas, and allows many of our shop staff to get involved with the local community in a meaningful way.

Greggs Breakfast Clubs are free of charge, both to the school and to the pupils that benefit from it. This is delivered through a partnership between the local Greggs Division which funds and supplies the food and the primary school itself. A vital element in the success of the clubs, are the volunteer groups from the school community who serve the food and generally run them. They really are the heroes and they tend to be parents and grandparents of some of the children who attend the clubs. This enables the primary school pupils to enjoy a fun and healthy start to the day and allows local people to get involved in vital school activity.

Since their introduction, the Greggs Breakfast Clubs have proven to be extremely successful and popular. Here’s what just a handful of our Breakfast Club participants had to say.

What the School Head Teachers say:

“The children and staff now have the opportunity to chat and eat informally before the more serious business of the national curriculum.” Mrs Beasley, headteacher at Bramley Primary School where 50 – 60 children attend the Breakfast Club.

“It has had an impact on the children’s manners and social skills, their ability to learn well and, of course, punctuality.” Mr Clarke, headteacher at West Walker Primary School, the first Greggs Breakfast Club to be established.

“It enables very special relationships to be built up and I’ve also seen children’s independence develop. I have worked in education for 20 years and I have never been in a position of having something given to me like this.” Ms Dee, headteacher at Wyndcliffe Junior School, Birmingham.

“We simply couldn’t do without it. It’s simple and uncomplicated and there are no strings attached. I can’t praise Greggs more. It’s wonderful.” Mrs Shaw, headteacher at Ravensbury Community School, Clayton, the first Breakfast Club to be established in the North West.

What the school children say:

“It’s ace, I’m not hungry in lessons any more.” Bethany, aged 9

“It’s good fun. I meet my friends and sometimes we play games.” Jade, aged 10.

“I love the Breakfast Club. Rice Krispies are my favourite. Thank you Greggs of Yorkshire.” Jameel, aged 8.

To find out more about the Greggs Breakfast Club programme, click Contact Us and address your query to the Community Initiatives Manager.