Harris Boys' Academy East Dulwich works with Met Police and charity School Food Matters to deliver breakfast to pupils
Over the past month Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich has been working in conjunction with the charity School Food Matters to distribute free nutritious breakfast bags to families who are struggling financially due to the pandemic.
Around 400 breakfast bags have been distributed to over 200 families with support from MET police officers, who have helped pack and deliver the food. Each bag contains enough food for two weeks’ worth of nutritious breakfasts and includes bread, oats, fresh milk, Weetabix, baked beans, coconut, rice and fruit.
Ben Bray, Vice Principal of Harris Boys’ Academy East Dulwich, said
“Having access to a nutritious and filling breakfast is not only vital for our students' health and wellbeing but also enhances their ability to learn. We have a high proportion of disadvantaged families who are facing financial hardship due to the pandemic and being able to offer some extra support with the help of School Food Matters is excellent.”
“We look forward to distributing the next delivery of bags in two weeks’ time.”
Safer Schools Officer PC Marcus Kudliskis, said:
“We’re so happy to be able to offer support to many families who are struggling to make ends meet in these challenging times. We often see first-hand some of the financial hardship that faces our local community so are keen to help out whenever possible.”
An academy parent who has been in receipt of the breakfast bags said:
”Thank you so much to Harris Boys’ Academy for this unexpected extra help. The last few months have been challenging and this food will help so much. I really don’t know what else to say but thank you and to all of the people involved in delivering, packing and donating.”
Another commented:
“To be able to come and receive a breakfast bag like this for each child in my family is wonderful. It helps so much. The free school meals vouchers are great but this helps it go so much further. The variety is also excellent.”