The results of a survey published this morning show that 78% of teachers say children are hungry in their classroom at least once a week.
A local Breakfast Club has been running here in Waterford for national school children for the last 15 years.
Ciara Kavanagh, principal of St. Saviour's National School says the results are not surprising.
Speaking to WLR News, she says: "I think if you spoke to any teacher across the country, they are aware of any given struggles which families go through at any given time. They are often the first to meet a child at the gate in the morning and they see things before national media does."
Daily Figures
While figures of pupils attending the Breakfast Club on a daily basis varies, numbers are typically between 50- 70 per day.
Ciara added: "Pupils come to the Breakfast Club for many different reasons, often it's because they would prefer to be with their friends in a social way, other times it's because it's a good way for them to have a hot breakfast before they face the day."
The initiative was established in the school almost 15 years ago, with the school recognising a need at the time in the community.
She says: "That was when the economic crash happened, people were put to the pin of their collar, much the same way as they are today. We couldn't expect children to come to class without something in their bellies first."
The breakfast initiative relies on funding from various bodies, without whom it wouldn't be possible. Ciara says the club is open to any child, even on a once off and no booking is needed, they can just drop in before class and be guaranteed that a cup of hot chocolate or a bowl of porridge will be waiting.
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