Cooley Primary School and Nursery Unit in Omagh, Co. Tyrone, has received a £1,500 grant from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme to deliver a new initiative designed to support pupils facing food insecurity.
The “Fight The Hunger Pains” project will benefit the school’s 100 pupils by providing nutritious snacks to children who may not have eaten before the school day begins or have no food for break time. Running alongside the school’s existing Breakfast Club, the initiative ensures that no child must learn on an empty stomach.
Food insecurity — defined as the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy, active life — is often a hidden challenge within communities. Many families may struggle silently, reluctant or unable to speak openly about their circumstances.
Recognising this, the school has adopted a discreet and compassionate approach to support its pupils. Simple options such as toast or cereal are made available in a sensitive and unobtrusive manner, ensuring that children receive the nourishment they need without stigma or attention.
Principal Gail Cuthbertson explained: “Sometimes children come to school on an empty stomach not necessarily because their families can’t afford food, but because family life is busy. Mornings can be rushed, people are trying to get out the door or catch the bus, and things can simply be forgotten. Everyone is doing their best.”
She continued: “Our staff are very aware of the signs that a child may be hungry and can offer food quietly and discreetly, without putting anyone on the spot. Everything is done with a low-key approach; there is no blame and no shame. When children aren’t hungry, they are able to concentrate better and engage more fully in their learning.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Northern Ireland community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help schools like the Cooley Primary School and Nursery Unit. Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit people of all ages and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
NI shoppers can support their local schools and charities by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store. For further information on how to make a difference at Tesco stores across NI, please go to https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
