The Healthy Living Programme (HLP) and Weetabix have once again joined forces to bring the Welby Breakfast Club mornings to schools across Scotland. A recent event at Parkhead Primary School in West Calder showcased the positive impact of this partnership.
The HLP's Welby Big Breakfasts offer more than just a meal; they provide a valuable learning experience for schoolchildren. These events emphasise the importance of a healthy breakfast for learning and overall well-being. The HLP team brings its engaging and educational programme to schools throughout the year, with the support of Weetabix.
Weetabix has generously provided 48,000 sample portions of their cereal for the HLP to distribute to children. The breakfasts also include fresh fruit and banana on toast, provided by convenience stores and wholesalers. This support allows the HLP to reach a large number of children and promote healthy eating habits. The HLP also works with retailers who participate in the programme, often providing vouchers for children to redeem at their stores.
The Welby events are unique to Scotland and fully funded by the Scottish Government. The HLP team delivers important lifestyle messages in an entertaining and interactive way, tailored to different age groups. Children receive goody bags containing activity books, crayons, fridge magnets (P1-P3) or Eat Well Guide packs with stationery sets and a QR code for the HLP website (P4-P7). These resources reinforce the messages about healthy eating and encourage children to share them with their families.
"These events are full of fun and energy," says Kathryn Neil, Director of the HLP. "We see the breakfasts as a way to help tackle child poverty because they show that a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. We’re educating pupils about the importance of 1 fueling their bodies correctly and encouraging them to take the message home to their parents.”
Scotmid Co-op is a key partner, providing a 12-month support package for the Welby initiative. This includes fresh goods and essential equipment to help the HLP team deliver the breakfasts. At Parkhead Primary, children received vouchers for 50p off fresh fruit and veg at their local Scotmid. "Our core purpose is to make a positive difference in our communities," says Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership & Community Engagement at Scotmid. "By ensuring children start the day with a nutritious breakfast, we’re helping to set them up for success in the classroom.”
Weetabix is aligned with the HLP’s commitment to health and wellbeing. David Bone, Weetabix Foodservice Channel Manager, states, “A good education is key to better life outcomes so no child should ever be too hungry to learn. That’s why Weetabix, which is low in sugar, fat and salt, fortified with four B vitamins and iron, and high in fibre, is happy to support the HLP Welby events in feeding children and educating them about the importance of starting the day with breakfast.”
The HLP has served breakfasts to more than 39,000 children in its 21-year history. The partnership with Weetabix and the support of organisations like Scotmid Co-op are essential to the program's continued success. The HLP looks forward to continuing its work in 2025, promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring children have access to nutritious breakfasts. Read the full press release by Scottish Grocer here: https://scottishgrocer.co.uk/2025/02/10/healthy-starts-with-weetabix-and-the-healthy-living-programme/
