Over 10,000 free breakfasts served to students thanks to College’s Breakfast Club
Over 10,000 free breakfasts have been served up in just five months of Fife College’s innovative new Breakfast Club.
10,695 breakfasts have been dished out to students during the first months of the free Breakfast Club which was launched last September in each of the College’s five campuses.
The initiative, which is one of only a handful in the country, means that all students can enjoy free toast, cereal or porridge and a cup of tea or coffee every day, courtesy of the College.
Run in partnership with the College’s catering contractor Aramark, the club also offers free hot rolls on a Friday.
The Fife College Breakfast Club was introduced by the College following evidence that 1 in 7 young people attend School or College without having breakfast, mainly because they cannot afford it. This has a detrimental effect on their studies, their attendance, their health and their wellbeing.
Musical Theatre student Abbie Hilton (18) from Glenrothes is one of many students to make use of the Breakfast Club in its first few months.
Abbie, who is based at the College’s Kirkcaldy Campus, said: “I think the Breakfast Club is a great idea. I’ve used it a few times and definitely would have just skipped breakfast on those days if it wasn’t there. It’s really good to see so many other students using it too.”
Hugh Hall, Fife College Principal, is delighted that the new Breakfast Club is a resounding success, encouraging students to eat breakfast which in turn is improving their experience at College.
Hugh said: “We all know that eating breakfast is an important thing to do and we know from our experience here at Fife College that it has had a positive impact on students, their attention span and their willingness to stay the course. It is fantastic to see our Breakfast Club, which is providing a free service for all students regardless of means, become such a success.”
Deborah Burnside, Aramark Director of Operations, said: “Our top priority is to ensure that students have nutritious meals to start their day so they are well nourished and ready to learn. At Aramark we are committed to enriching and nourishing the lives of everyone we serve so we are very proud of the early success of this wonderful initiative.”
The success of the Breakfast Club comes as the Fife College Students’ Association (FCSA) introduced microwaves for student use thanks to Student President Jade Burnett.
The microwaves have recently been installed in each of the College’s campuses, following an election campaign pledge from Jade FCSA President for Welfare and Equality.
The installation of the microwaves will help students to maintain a healthy diet and save money. They will also offer greater convenience to those studying at the College outside of canteen opening hours.
Free breakfast is available for Fife College students Monday to Friday 8.30-9.30am in the College’s Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Rosyth and Levenmouth Campuses during term time only.
Students can choose between toast, cereal or porridge with tea or coffee also available.
For more information about the College’s Breakfast Club visit www.fife.ac.uk/students.