Thousands of free breakfasts will be delivered to North East children during the school holidays following growing concern about food poverty.
Worrying statistics from children's food charity Magic Breakfast found that 32,626 kids (36%) in County Durham were living in poverty in 2020, and 13,042 (14%) were at risk of hunger.
The charity helps to feed 5,000 children across 37 schools in County Durham during term time by supplying healthy breakfasts for those who arrive at school too hungry to learn.
Read more: Met Office warns heavy rain to batter the UK - but scorching heatwave could be on the way
And now it has pledged to extend its support during the school summer holiday, with 31,500 free breakfasts for children in the county.
Alice Chamberlain, head of trusts and foundations at Magic Breakfast, said: "This has been another tough year, not least for children at risk of hunger in the UK.
"While Magic Breakfast traditionally supports schoolchildren in County Durham during term time, we know that these same children are likely to be at risk of hunger during the holidays too.
"We hope that receiving a healthy breakfast will help alleviate some of the struggles families are facing, and that it helps nourish children so when schools reopen the children are ready to learn."
By the time schools reopen in September, more than 1,000 children from 20 schools across County Durham would have received a breakfast pack from Magic Breakfast.
And over one million breakfasts will be distributed to around 35,000 children across the UK.
A 2020 YouGov survey of teachers, commissioned by Magic Breakfast, highlighted the challenges faced by children at risk of hunger following school closures and holidays.
It revealed that 64% of teachers from schools with high levels of disadvantage noticed poorer pupils falling behind academically after previous summer holidays.
While 83% of teachers in schools with above average levels of disadvantage reported that school breakfasts would help children catch up on learning.
In total, 57% of respondents anticipated a rise in hunger among children returning to school after closures.
And 76% support a nationwide programme to ensure children at risk of hunger have access to a free breakfast during the holidays.
The breakfast packs, which include bagels, low sugar cereal and porridge, have been distributed to families across the region with the help of Magic Breakfast's supporters, such as players of People's Postcode Lottery.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "I'm so pleased that players have helped enable Magic Breakfast to provide an incredible 31,500 breakfasts to children in County Durham this summer.
"Player support has allowed the charity to reach the most disadvantaged children, helping to fill empty tummies and combat holiday hunger."
Get the latest breaking news from the North East by subscribing to our newsletters, here.
