PACE Bahamas, School for the Blind, and TAPS to Join Over 1.8 Million Meals Served Nationwide
NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Government of The Bahamas today announced the expansion of the National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) to three specialty schools, marking another milestone in the programme’s commitment to ensuring every student across the country starts the school day with a nutritious meal.
Providing Access to Continued Education (PACE Bahamas) will begin receiving breakfast service on Wednesday, 6 May, followed by the School for the Blind and the Transitional Alternative Programme for Students (TAPS) on Monday, 11 May.
With these additions, the programme now reaches students in all specialty schools alongside all public preschools, primary schools, and all-age schools.
Since launching in October 2023 with four schools on New Providence, the National School Breakfast Programme has grown into a nationwide initiative now serving approximately 20,500 students across 118 schools in 17 islands. To date, the programme has delivered more than 1,801,384 meals – a figure that reflects the scale of the Government’s investment in the health, attendance, and academic success of Bahamian children.
Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, said the continued expansion reflects the Government’s determination to support students not only academically, but holistically.
“Every child in The Bahamas deserves to walk into a classroom ready to learn,” Minister Hanna-Martin said. “By bringing the School Breakfast Programme to our specialty schools, we are making clear that this commitment extends to every student, regardless of their needs or circumstances. No child should be left out of this promise.”
The programme’s growth reflects a sustained and deliberate expansion: in the 2023-2024 academic year, the NSBP served approximately 4,000 students across 13 schools; by 2024-2025, it had expanded to 91 schools serving roughly 11,400 students across the Family Islands. The current 2025-2026 academic year has seen the programme reach all public preschools, primary schools, and all-age schools – and now, all specialty schools as well.
Prime Minister Philip Davis said the programme is part of a broader effort to give Bahamian children the strongest possible foundation for their future.
“Our children are so bright and filled with so much promise and potential. I don’t want anything to slow them down,” Prime Minister Davis said. “A healthy breakfast helps students focus, participate, and make the most of the opportunities before them. This expansion means more children will feel that support at the start of each school day.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized that the programme continues to benefit families and communities across the country.
“At a time when families are facing high costs, this programme provides meaningful support,” Prime Minister Davis said. “It also engages Bahamian vendors and strengthens communities across our islands. Most importantly, it tells our children that they matter, that we believe in them, and that we are investing in their future.”
The National School Breakfast Programme is administered by the Ministry of Education and supported by a network of more than 100 Bahamian vendors responsible for preparing and delivering meals to schools nationwide.
The Government of The Bahamas remains committed to expanding access to healthy meals, strengthening student attendance and readiness to learn, and building school environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive.