A charity that has provided more than one million free breakfasts to schoolchildren across the island for almost two decades called on the community for support ahead of its 20th anniversary campaign.

The Coalition for the Protection of Children began its Breakfast for Every Child Programme in 2007.

Today, it operates in 15 public schools, providing breakfast to about 700 students on weekdays throughout the academic year.

Between September 2025 and June 2026, the CPC served 41,116 meals — 8,847 in primary schools, 3,924 in middle schools, 3,196 in high schools, 3,181 in preschools, and 148 to students with special needs.

Johnée Evans Willis, the breakfast programme manager, said: “Reaching 20 years of the Breakfast for Every Child Programme is incredibly special.

“With the support of the community, we have been able to provide more than one million breakfasts to Bermuda’s children and we are immensely grateful.

“As we celebrate this milestone, my hope is not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but to continue growing until we ensure that every child has access to the benefits of breakfast before starting their day.”

The programme’s impact is measured in the classroom, the CPC said.

Teachers report better concentration and academic performance, stronger self-regulation and emotional stability, improved attendance and punctuality, and healthier eating and social habits among participating students.

Brittany Swan, a paraeducator and breakfast programme co-ordinator at West End Primary School, said: “The coalition’s breakfast programme is placed within our school communities to ensure our children are provided with the nutrients they need to have a successful day of learning.

“We never know what they are going through before they arrive at our school doors.

“This programme provides them with comfort and security. They never have to worry about a meal, as we are here to support them.”

Parents reportedly described similar relief.

Makeila Ming, a teacher, said: “As a single parent of two boys, mornings can be a bit of a whirlwind.

“I’m so grateful for the Breakfast for Every Child Programme. It’s one less thing to worry about and it ensures my child starts the day nourished and ready to learn.”

Running the programme costs almost $200,000 for a single academic year.

This year marked the first time the CPC received government funding, with $12,500 provided from the Confiscated Assets Fund.

The charity charges no fees for its services and relies largely on the support of the community, local businesses and the international business sector.

Community support is essential to reducing food insecurity, so that no child starts the day worried about their next meal, it said.

Funds raised will allow CPC to reach more students, extend the programme beyond the school term and continue supporting children 365 days a year.

• To get involved, donate or become a volunteer supporter, call the CPC on 295-1150 or e-mail cpc@coalition.bm