A charity that gives breakfasts to public school pupils is working to ensure that children are fed over the Covid-19 crisis shutdown. Kelly Hunt, the executive director for the Coalition for the Protection of Children, said yesterday that the organisation would work with the Government and other groups “so that our clients and students have their basic needs met”. She added: “This would include the continued distribution of groceries and/or vouchers. “We are in talks about how we could facilitate breakfast and lunch for students who need the support. “We may need to use an off-site location that utilises a drive-through option.“For those without transportation, we will have to figure out delivery. Ms Hunt said: “Our goal is to meet the need and ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are taken care of during this difficult time.” She was speaking after David Burt, the Premier, announced on Wednesday that public schools would be closed until April 6. Ms Hunt said that the coalition’s breakfast programme ran “every day of the school year in 14 schools”. She added: “Some schools are small with a low number of participants, while others have an average of 50 students per day.” Ms Hunt said that the charity had increased stocks to deal with a flood of people who had visited the charity’s storehouse for groceries since last week. She said that other essential items, including soap, sanitary napkins and toilet paper, had been ordered to cover the increased demand. Ms Hunt added: “Because food demand is so high and delivery times have been pushed back, we will likely have to move towards vouchers until we can get stock. “People are very anxious, so we want to be mindful of their mental health and check in with clients we haven’t seen.” She said that the coalition would adjust and “implement measures to keep our staff and clients safe” as the crisis developed. Ms Hunt added: “Ultimately, the most important thing is that we remain compassionate and responsive to the people in the community who need help.”