Free Breakfast for Schools: Our National Campaign

 

No child should be too hungry to learn. That’s why we’ve launched Before the Bell, a social impact initiative providing free school breakfasts to pupils in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

 

We’re more than just a recruitment agency. We’re committed to transforming lives and shaping futures. By giving children the fuel they need to enjoy their school day and reach their full potential, we’re helping to build a brighter future, one breakfast at a time.

 

As part of our campaign, we will be providing 4 Primary Schools with free breakfasts from January 2026.

Why Affinity Workforce?

 

Every day, Affinity Workforce places thousands of supply teachers in schools across England, Scotland and Wales. Through our brands, Career Teachers, CER Education, Monarch Education and Sugarman Education, we see first-hand the challenges schools and pupils face.

 

That’s why we’re not waiting for someone else to act. We’re stepping up to support the communities where we work.

Tackling the Food Crisis in UK Schools

 

The Before the Bell campaign addresses a growing crisis affecting the very communities and schools our teaching staff support every day.

 

Key Facts:

1 in 10 UK households are experiencing food insecurity

Families with children are twice as likely to rely on food banks

Despite availability, 90% of households with very low food security did not use a food bank in the past month — highlighting a significant unmet need

*Source: Family Resources Survey 2023–2024

 

These statistics represent real children in the schools where Affinity’s teaching staff work every day. Before the Bell is our response to this crisis.

About Our Recent School Insights Survey

 

We recently carried out research into breakfast provision and food insecurity in UK schools. Teachers and education staff took part in our Affinity Insights Survey, giving us a clearer picture of the challenges pupils face every day.

Before The Bell FAQs

  • When Will Schools Be Notified?

    Successful schools will be notified by Monday 25th November via email. Free breakfasts will be provided during the week commencing 19th January 2026.

  • What is the selection criteria?

    We will prioritise schools in areas of high deprivation where the need is greatest. Schools must be willing to participate in campaign activities, which may include media coverage and sharing their story.

  • Who can nominate a school?

    We welcome nominations from schools, parents and community members who want to support a school in their area.

  • What is the Before the Bell campaign?

    Before the Bell is a social impact initiative providing free school breakfasts to pupils in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.