By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune staff Reporter

jrusssell@tribunemedia.net

THE government will extend the National Breakfast Programme to every government primary school, aiming to ensure no child starts the day hungry.

During his 2025/2026 Budget speech in the House of Assembly yesterday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said the programme has provided nearly one million free hot breakfasts to students. The programme provides free, healthy, and nutritious breakfasts to students in public schools across the country. The Davis administration has highlighted that the initiative ensures no child goes hungry, allowing them to focus and learn effectively in school. 

The $1m programme was initially launched in New Providence at four primary schools and expanded to four Family Island schools in November 2023. In August 2024, education officials announced further expansion, including Yellow Elder Primary and four additional schools in New Providence.

“School Breakfast reflects our belief that all of our children deserve a chance to start their day ready to learn. That’s why our new budget expands the programme, ensuring it will soon reach every one of our government’s primary schools,” Mr Davis said during his budget contribution. 

In February, the Davis administration marked the delivery of 500,000 breakfasts since the National School Breakfast Pilot Programme (NSBPP) began in October 2023. 

Currently, the programme operates in 90 schools nationwide, including primary, all-age, and comprehensive schools. Officials said 100 vendors support the initiative.

The programme faced early criticism on social media after some meals were compared to “jail food”, but government officials defended its value. 

Minister of Education  Glenys Hanna Martin highlighted the programme’s role in improving attendance and punctuality. In August 2024, she said attendance increased by 3.9 percent at participating schools in New Providence and by 7.2 percent in Family Island schools.