Amid the current cost-of-living crisis, one County Armagh school has announced a new initiative that is sure to make a difference to many families during this difficult time.
They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, vital for the learning and development of children.
And thanks to a new initiative from City of Armagh High School, no child at the school will go without for the remainder of the academic year.
The school, in a message to parents, has announced that all pupils will be able to avail of free breakfasts from Monday, January 9 for the rest of the school year.
They said: “We understand the current economic climate that is affecting our families. In our own way of helping we are planning to provide FREE Breakfasts for ALL of our pupils from Monday 9th January 2023 for the remainder of the school year.
“Our school prides itself on the care and support we offer our children, parents and community. Special thanks to all the local companies whose help has made this possible.”
The gesture is sure to be a hit with families involved in the school and will help reduce the stress that many are feeling in the current economic circumstances.
Writing on Facebook, members of the community paid tribute to the school for its “heartwarming” plans.
One said: “What a thoughtful caring thing to do….well done everyone! A credit to the whole community!”
Another added that the gesture was “above and beyond in the best interest of the pupils and families!”.
A third said: “I’m so pleased I sent my son to this fantastic school. They are absolutely amazing!”
Families across Armagh have been feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis for a while now, made all the more difficult with the cold weather that has descended on the area in the winter months.
Many other organisations have been reaching out to the local community to help ease the burden. Vibe Church Armagh is just one doing its bit, having donated over 400 Christmas hampers to families in need over the holiday period.
It was also recently announced that £600 payments to families to assist with energy bills will start in January 2023.
The support will combine £400 from the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme Northern Ireland (EBSS NI) with £200 under the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement.
