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Fuelling Wellbeing One Meal at a Time
By the time the first students arrive, the room is already warm. The smell of toast drifts down the corridor, and the quiet clink of bowls and cutlery signals that breakfast is ready.
Inside the breakfast club room, cereals are laid out, fruit is stacked within easy reach, and the milk is chilled and ready. For around 50 students at Vermont Secondary College each morning, this space is where the school day truly begins.
The set‑up is simple by design. The classroom chosen for its storage cupboards and tables arranged to encourage conversation and connection. But what happens here every morning makes a powerful difference.
Breakfast club runs every school day, quietly supporting any of the school’s 1,700 students who arrive hungry, may be feeling a little anxious, or simply needing a safe and inviting space before the bell rings.
Students move through clearly defined zones – cereal, toast, fruit – supported by fellow students who volunteer their time. On Thursdays, the atmosphere lifts just a little more, because it’s ‘Toastie Thursday’ – the clear highlight for all.
The day before, the wellbeing team and a small group of hand‑picked student helpers prepare a few loaves of bread, ready for the following morning’s rush. On Thursdays, the toastie press works at double speed, with platters of freshly toasted goodness disappearing quicker than you can say, well…toast.
Powered by young people
Several students who volunteered in 2025, returned in 2026, bringing experience, confidence and leadership. School Captain Juliet is a regular helper, leading by example and helping create a calm, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable to come in, eat, and stay awhile.
“I just really want to help out as much as I can. It’s a really great initiative,” says Juliet. “For me, in the morning it’s often a choice between sleeping in a little bit longer, or eating breakfast – to have a place where I can do both helps me get through the day. And I know a lot of students are in the same boat.”
For many student volunteers, this is their first experience of responsibility, teamwork and giving back. They quickly grow into their roles – learning how small actions can have a big impact and gaining a few new life skills at the same time.
Supporting student wellbeing beyond breakfast
The connections made over breakfast often lead to something more. The wellbeing team has found that these informal morning interactions make support more accessible. Conversations that start over cereal or toast often continue later, when students feel ready.
Understanding that the need for nutrition doesn’t stop at breakfast, Vermont Secondary College also provides targeted lunch support for students identified as needing additional assistance. Working closely with teaching staff, the wellbeing team ensures students facing who need it, have reliable access to food across the school day.
Lunch items are made available in a planned, discreet way, protecting student dignity and removing the need for explanation. Tuna rice bowls, noodle soups and rice-based options are organised each morning, with many students choosing to collect their lunch ahead of time. This simple step reduces anxiety and allows students to focus on learning, rather than worry about the day ahead. Staff have noticed the increase in need for lunch, with Wellbeing Leader, Leesa telling us, “The tuna bowls disappear within minutes.”
At Vermont Secondary College, Breakfast Club is doing exactly what it’s meant to do. It’s reliable access to nutritious food, it’s strengthening student confidence and leadership and supporting student wellbeing in real, tangible ways.
