There are a couple of different options when it comes to funding your Breakfast Club. Firstly it’s important to establish your school’s eligibility for funding. For example, there are two types of scheme which receive funding under the Department of Social Welfare ‘School Meals Programme’ - check these out here. There is also a EU School Milk Scheme operated by the Department of Agriculture - details here.

Once the need is established, you will need to identify a suitable space to use. This can be the canteen in the school or a quiet classroom with easy access to toilet facilities and a kitchenette type space with running water, like the teacher's staff room. You may need to source the following supplies: cutlery, utensils, table cloths, a fridge, a toaster, a kettle (not suitable for primary aged children), a microwave, serving dishes for hot food ( depending on your needs) etc.

A Club Co-Ordinator supported by a steering committee, can help ensure an efficient Breakfast Club. Parents could also be asked (in your survey at Step 1) if they would be willing to volunteer on some mornings. Some older students may be able to help out too. If funds are available, school staff members could be employed and paid for additional work hours. School staff members may already have a rapport with the students and are a good choice for breakfast clubs.

Using the results of your survey or from an assembly announcement, considering inviting students to the breakfast club meeting. Give the students an opportunity to have their say in how the breakfast club will work, what foods they like or dislike and hold a vote on what the club should call itself ( like the Early Birds or The Breakfast Bunch). The term ‘breakfast club’ may have some negative connotations as a club for disadvantaged students so renaming it could dispel these associations.

There are a range of food options to consider depending on your facilities, funding and staffing. For example if you have limited kitchen facilities, you could provide a straightforward breakfast of cereal, toast and fruit with fruit juice. If you have adequate facilities for cooking, washing and storage you may be in a position of offer some hot items each day such as eggs, beans etc. Whichever option you go for, it’s important to give some thought to the nutritional value of the foods you are going to provide, e.g. the types of cereal, bread etc. Having a Healthy School Food Policy in place can be useful in this regard

To keep the children attending and involved in the Breakfast Club, consider what additional facilities or activities might enhance the club. For example, if your facilities allow, try introducing new foods the kids may not have tried before like avocado, grapefruit or chia seeds. Try out theme mornings like smoothie day or pancake mornings.