The government has secured new partnerships with British retailers and brands to provide school breakfast clubs with exclusive offers.
Since April, 750 schools have been taking part in an early adopter scheme where they have been funded to provide access to a free, universal breakfast club lasting at least 30 minutes that includes food.
It forms part of the government’s strategy to triple its investment in breakfast clubs to over £30m in the 2025-26 financial year.
Now in a bid to offer “more affordable, varied breakfast options”, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Weetabix, and charity Magic Breakfast will provide early adopter schools with discounts and free deliveries from today (22 October).
“Sainsbury’s is committed to continuing to play our part in addressing this challenge until we’re confident that everyone across the country has access to joyful, affordable food every day,” said CEO Simon Roberts.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Department for Education on their free breakfast clubs, offering the early adopter schools £200 vouchers to support healthy breakfast provision.”
Morrisons CEO Rami Baitiéh added: ”Our heritage in fresh, quality food is something we are proud of and our free anytime delivery pass will help these schools consistently provide healthy breakfasts to pupils.”
From April 2026, 2,000 new schools will join the scheme, with half a million more children benefitting from the breakfast clubs.
The government has also updated guidance issued to schools today, calling for them to start limiting branded uniform items ahead of the cap coming into force in the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill, which will save some parents over £50 per child.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “We need schools to play their part too, getting ready to join the free breakfast club scheme from next year, or acting now to cap branded uniform items to keep more of parents’ hard-earned cash in their pockets.
“This government is driving change and delivering national renewal – and we won’t rest until we have broken the link between a child’s background and success.”
It follows changes in June which saw the government announcing plans to revise School Food Standards, which specify what types of food should be served at school and how often.
This news came alongside plans to extend the eligibility for free school meals, in a move that is set to benefit an additional 500,000 school children.
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