SPEEDY Freight Franchisee and Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Newcastle General Manager has partnered with the Greggs Foundation for at least two years to sponsor three breakfast clubs located near to his three courier branches, Carmuirs Primary in Falkirk near Edinburgh, Bramble Brae in Aberdeen and Wingrove Primary School in Newcastle, in total supporting nearly 150 children, investing over £11,500.
The initiative forms part of the National Same Day Courier’s pledge to support the end to food poverty. Working in conjunction with several other brands and charities, Speedy Freight has signed up to the Right for Food campaign launched by Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby.
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Greggs Breakfast Club Programme has been running since 1999 and aims to help primary school children get a nutritious start to the day.
There are now over 600 breakfast clubs providing free breakfasts every school morning to nearly 40,000 children, helping them get the best out of their school day.
According to the Trussel Trust, there was an 81% increase in emergency food parcels from foodbanks in its network during the last two weeks of March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, including a 122% rise in parcels specifically for children.
The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges faced by those in poverty – making the year-long pledge even more crucial.
Andrew Barrie, Speedy Freight General Manager, said: “Particularly as a result of the Pandemic, job losses have increased or people’s incomes have been reduced due to their hours being cut whilst lockdowns have been enforced, leaving thousands of people unable to afford the very basics. After supporting the Greggs Foundation in the lead up to Christmas, I witnessed first-hand what the Breakfast Clubs mean to schools and was truly touched to see the tremendous work they do with young children across the country.
“I am delighted to be able to support 150 pupils with a healthy start to the day through the full funding of three breakfast clubs.”
Lynne Hindmarch, Greggs Foundation Breakfast Club Manager, said: “We are delighted to be working with Speedy Freight to support children and families.
“We could not do this without the support of companies like Speedy Freight who have similar underlying values to help those within our local communities and where our businesses operate.
The Scottish Breakfast Clubs will commence as schools return in August, and the Newcastle Breakfast club at Wingrove will commence at the start of the Autumn term in September.
Shirley Anne Clubb from Carmuirs Primary School, Falkirk said: “We are very lucky to have the support of Speedy Freight during such uncertain times. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and sets our kiddies and their families up for a positive day of learning”.
Anthony MacLeod from, Wingrove Primary School, Newcastle said: “With Speedy Freight’s support, Wingrove Primary School will be able to welcome pupils who had previously been unable to attend breakfast club. Instead, they’ll now be able to enjoy a healthy breakfast in school and spend quality time with their peers. Our staff know just how important this is for a child’s development and are extremely grateful to Andrew and Speedy-Freight for the opportunity.”
