Calls for an Island-wide feeding programme for hungry schoolchildren continue to grow — though not everyone believes the state should provide the solution.

The Royal Gazette reported last week on a group of volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who make breakfasts and lunches for 30 underfed youngsters each day at five schools in four parishes.

The women claimed a scheme for students across the country was needed but Government said there were no plans for such a programme.

Readers of this newspaper have been emailing their thoughts on the topic — with roughly equal numbers for and against a state-led scheme. Charlene Bausman said: “I agree that the government should be assisting in providing food for children who go without. How are the children to learn and comprehend what they learn on an empty stomach?

“The Government must step up and take care of the children as they are the ones who will be in power and running the country when the current Government officials are senior citizens and unable to do for themselves.”

Isaura Pontes wrote: “It’s horrifying that children in Bermuda are going without breakfast. I applaud those teachers who are trying to help these kids by providing them with something to eat. I agree that something needs to be done.

“I feel that to avoid embarrassment and possible ridicule from other children, all schoolchildren should be provided with free breakfast and an inexpensive lunch — say $1 or $2. We as a community need to get together and assist Government with this.”

Shawnette Somner had a different view. “I taught in the public education system for 20 years and am presently operating my own successful home school operation,” she emailed. “Like so many of my former colleagues I have fed many of my students using my personal funds in the public system. Children going to school without breakfast is not a new phenomenon.

“I strongly feel that it is NOT the responsibility of the Government to provide breakfast, except perhaps in very extreme cases.

“When a child is born it is the parent’s responsibility for life — and feeding it is a basic necessity! There must be on-going educational programs for them on the basics of parenting and something as vital as eating healthy will be better understood by them!”

A reader calling herself Ms Ingham wrote: “We must recognise that there are some kids that don’t have the privileges of others. It’s a sad day when a rich country such as Bermuda sees our kids being hungry and (does) not act upon it.

“I would like to see every church adopt a school. Churches give back constantly and this is one area I would like to see developed.”

School bookkeeper Jenna Cleckley said: “This should be available for all students. Have each child’s parents prove their income. Give the child a special number so the amount they should be charged will be known by the cashier. The child can be eligible for free, reduced or regular lunch.”

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler, a former school principal, has defended remarks he made on the topic last week, when he claimed some children were accepting free breakfasts and lunches despite getting fed at home.

“There are some children who have lunch but prefer to take a chance to see what is being brought to school,” he said. “I saw this happen when I was a principal.

“In light of the fact that I felt genuine cases should be provided with food, I donated part proceeds from a recent book launch to support the breakfast programme. The issue is being addressed by the Minister of Education and I reiterate that parents have to accept this as a major responsibility and children have to be thankful for what is provided.”