21st February 2024
Students and parents are toasting the success of the ‘Free Toast’ offering at South Devon College.
The health and wellbeing of our students is a top priority and we recognise that a number of students and families are facing real financial challenges at home, so we are offering free toast at College in the mornings so our students can start the day with a suitable breakfast.
Beginning the day with some good food is important to boost cognitive functions, concentration levels and quality of behaviour, so our free toast offer is available to all students, regardless of their household situation.
The offer has been welcomed by our students – one said: “This is helping me. I don’t have breakfast at home as things are hard and I try not to bother Mum about getting in any bread or milk. Thanks South Devon College!”
Another student voice commented: “I get the earlier bus now so I can have toast before my lessons – I do think it’s helped me concentrate more.”
Parents are equally as pleased with the service: “I just wanted to say how wonderful this is, a great addition and simple yet so much needed support for young people! Well done South Devon College.“
More parent feedback included: “This will be a great help to my daughter who doesn’t eat breakfast before she leaves for college, thank you!”
The toast is available to all students, no questions asked, between 8am and 9am each morning during term times. There are white, brown and gluten-free bread options, along with a selection of spreads.
Sophie Price, Head of Student Services & Wellbeing, said: “I’m so proud to be part of South Devon College and I’m absolutely delighted that we have been able to take this step to support our students and their families.
“We understand how challenging times are for our community and, having listened to our student feedback, we have taken this step to help reduce hunger and to support wellbeing.
“Whether it’s because the students have run out of time to eat before they leave home or because there’s no food at home, we want to ensure that there are no barriers to this support.”
For those who qualify for Free School Meals, this free toast will be in addition to their meal allowance, meaning that they can still use that funding for a lunchtime meal.
This offer is available in the International Café at the Vantage Point campus, in the Solar Café at SWEC and in the café at the Brunel Centre in Newton Abbot.
So please do come along and start your day the healthy way – the toast is on us!
Sustainable Development Goals that align with this story:
