Supporting Students Through Free Breakfast Provision at New College Lanarkshire
Project Summary
In February 2026, the Sureserve Foundation partnered with New College Lanarkshire to help students facing financial pressure through the colleges free breakfast programme.
With a £5000 donation, the Foundation funded approximately one month of breakfast provisions, helping around 3,500 students access a nutritious meal before starting their day. The initiative not only provided practical support but also highlighted the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations come together to support those who need it most.
The Challenge
New College Lanarkshire support students from a wide range of backgrounds, including many communities experiencing social and economic disadvantages.
As rising living costs continued to put pressure on households, some students faced challenges such as food insecurity. These pressures affected wellbeing, engagement, attendance and the overall educational experience.
Recognising the difference that practical support could make, the college sought to strengthen its free breakfast programme to ensure students had access to a welcoming and supportive environment at the start of each day.
The Solution
The initiative offered all students access to a nutritious breakfast without assessments, applications or eligibility criteria, ensuring support was readily available to anyone who could benefit. The inclusive approach removed barriers and allowed students to access support comfortably without stigma.
The funding helped students begin the day positively, supporting their wellbeing and learning, while strengthening a valuable partnership to support the initiative and demonstrate how organisations can play a direct role in creating social value within their communities.
The Impact
The breakfast programme provided practical support to around 3500 students each month, helping to reduce some of the challenges associated with financial hardship and the rising cost of living.
By ensuring students has access to a nutritious breakfast, the initiative helped create a more positive and inclusive learning environment where students could focus on their studies and make the most of their educational opportunities.
Beyond the immediate support provided, the project strengthened relationships between key stakeholders, demonstrating how partnership working can create meaningful and lasting community impact.
Client Feedback
"Through Sureserves generosity, we are ensuring all our students are ready to learn each day. This donation shows that Sureserves leadership is committed to creating real social value within our local communities."
Professor Christopher Moore
Looking Ahead
This project reflected the Sureserve Foundations commitment to supporting individuals and communities by helping to remove barriers that can impact opportunity and wellbeing.
Following the success of the programme, New College Lanarkshire began exploring opportunities to introduce a free lunch provision, building on the positive impact already achieved and helping to ensure students continue to receive support throughout the day.
