Free breakfasts for vulnerable kids in Southwark

By Alexandra Warren

A cafe is giving vulnerable schoolchildren free breakfasts to help them start their day the right way.

Mustard Sandwich Bar in Great Suffolk Street, Borough, started providing lunch five-days-a-week for students during lockdown, but since schools have opened has switched to dishing out toast and porridge in the mornings.

The scheme is open to any child from Charles Dickens Primary School or Haberdashers’ Aske’s Borough Academy who is eligible for free school meals.

Chloe Gibbs, manager at Mustard, said: “Earlier this year the world stood still for a little while, and as a result of that a number of issues were highlighted that did not previously get much air time, and Marcus Rashford’s campaign was something that really hit home for us.

“We believe that all children, no matter their background, should be given an equal chance to thrive in life, and we knew that with our contacts and resources we had a great opportunity to help affect change in this area.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the results of this scheme, especially now moving into the winter months.”

The Fuel the Future project, in partnership with Age UK, is also helping the elderly by supplying and preparing ingredients for hot meals twice a week.

Pictured top: Staff at Mustard Sandwich Bar in Great Suffolk Street