A breakfast programme for students in need has flourished to cover 15 schools, up from 12 in 2016, with almost 100,000 meals given out in the last year alone.

For Sheelagh Cooper, founder of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, the steady climb calls to mind a modest version of the McDonald’s slogan giving ever-increasing numbers served.

But while the “significant” rise is a testament to the programme’s success, as well as the community’s generosity, “we have seen the percentages of students in need increasing in any given school”, Ms Cooper said.

“The numbers are entirely based on the needs of children, who have to make an effort to get there early — I really do think more and more families are struggling.”

The breakfast programme has no means testing associated: “We don’t want any child to feel less because they haven’t had breakfast,” Ms Cooper said.

“We also have very good donor support. Many people have given us a standing order of $50 a month, which is what it costs to feed one child breakfast every morning.”

Local companies have also partnered with the group, encouraging employees to bring in appropriate foodstuffs once a week. “We are winding down now, but children still need breakfast in the summertime,” Ms Cooper added. “We have increased the food available in our food storehouse so that families can come to us.”

• To get involved, e-mail cpc@logic.bm or call 295-1150