A breakfast programme for schoolchildren that served almost 50,000 meals this year is going on summer break tomorrow with the close of the academic year.

The initiative, which grew by three more schools this year to eight, is already courting volunteers for its resumption in September.

Thanking volunteers and corporate donors who keep the programme running, Sheelagh Cooper of the Coalition for the Protection of Children said people were needed to pitch in from 7.20am to 8.30am, preferably two to three mornings a week.

“It’s been well received,” she said. “The children love it and the teachers think it’s a wonderful way to help students that might not otherwise get breakfast. We have seen bigger utilisation each year for the last five years. It’s increasing incrementally.” The breakfast programme, which is self-serving, does not come with a background check: students who need it come early to school for their meals.

“I want to thanks all of the many people who have steadfastly sent us $50 a month — some have been doing that for five years,” Ms Cooper added.

To learn more, see www.coalition.bm or contact the organisation at 295-1150.