Lindsey MacDonald
@lindseymac.bsky.social
Hate inequality. Love coffee and learning. Believe we can change the world.
🧡 CEO of Magic Breakfast.
Vice Chair @DataKindUK & @SFDCoalition.
🇬🇧🇨🇦she/her
🧡 CEO of Magic Breakfast.
Vice Chair @DataKindUK & @SFDCoalition.
🇬🇧🇨🇦she/her
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Most people who rely on a food bank are disabled, new figures from the UK's leading network of food banks has revealed.
Millions of disabled people used food banks last year as Labour plotted benefit cuts
www.bigissue.com
September 27, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Most people who rely on a food bank are disabled, new figures from the UK's leading network of food banks has revealed.
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Last night we were honoured to win Charity of the Year (over £10m income) at the #CharityTimesAwards! 🏆
This award recognises the power of collaboration, evidence, and passion in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Read more: https://utm.guru/ujb3M
#CharityOfTheYear
This award recognises the power of collaboration, evidence, and passion in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Read more: https://utm.guru/ujb3M
#CharityOfTheYear
September 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Last night we were honoured to win Charity of the Year (over £10m income) at the #CharityTimesAwards! 🏆
This award recognises the power of collaboration, evidence, and passion in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Read more: https://utm.guru/ujb3M
#CharityOfTheYear
This award recognises the power of collaboration, evidence, and passion in breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Read more: https://utm.guru/ujb3M
#CharityOfTheYear
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
What happens when children and young people start the day with a nutritious breakfast?
For many schools, the answer is:
✅ Calmer classrooms
✅ More pupils ready to learn
✅ Stronger school communities
🔗 utm.guru/bsk/annual_b...
#MagicBreakfast #AnnualBreakfastSurvey #FuelForLearning
For many schools, the answer is:
✅ Calmer classrooms
✅ More pupils ready to learn
✅ Stronger school communities
🔗 utm.guru/bsk/annual_b...
#MagicBreakfast #AnnualBreakfastSurvey #FuelForLearning
July 24, 2025 at 1:15 PM
What happens when children and young people start the day with a nutritious breakfast?
For many schools, the answer is:
✅ Calmer classrooms
✅ More pupils ready to learn
✅ Stronger school communities
🔗 utm.guru/bsk/annual_b...
#MagicBreakfast #AnnualBreakfastSurvey #FuelForLearning
For many schools, the answer is:
✅ Calmer classrooms
✅ More pupils ready to learn
✅ Stronger school communities
🔗 utm.guru/bsk/annual_b...
#MagicBreakfast #AnnualBreakfastSurvey #FuelForLearning
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
The Gov’s Best Start in Life strategy is a welcome step towards supporting every child to thrive. With a strong focus on early intervention and accessibility which will boost children’s life chances, it's the start of an ambitious approach to early years reform. (1/3)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Landmark strategy to improve early years and family services
Parents across the country to benefit from new plan to drive up the quality and accessibility of early years education and boost children’s life chances.
www.gov.uk
July 9, 2025 at 7:54 AM
The Gov’s Best Start in Life strategy is a welcome step towards supporting every child to thrive. With a strong focus on early intervention and accessibility which will boost children’s life chances, it's the start of an ambitious approach to early years reform. (1/3)
www.gov.uk/government/n...
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
What comes next once you get serious about system change? This is what I’ll be finding out in my conversation with @mattdownie.bsky.social of Crisis and @lindseymac.bsky.social of @magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social in just two weeks’ time. Join us here: binleydrake.com/event/in-goo...
In Good Company with Lindsey MacDonald and Matt Downie - Binley Drake Consulting
Martyn Drake in the good company of Matt Downie (Crisis) and Lindsey MacDonald (Magic Breakfast) talking about charity End Games.
binleydrake.com
July 1, 2025 at 4:16 PM
What comes next once you get serious about system change? This is what I’ll be finding out in my conversation with @mattdownie.bsky.social of Crisis and @lindseymac.bsky.social of @magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social in just two weeks’ time. Join us here: binleydrake.com/event/in-goo...
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Big news! We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for Charity Times' Charity of the Year! 🎉
Find out why on our blog >> utm.guru/uiBIJ
#CharityTimes #CharityTimesAwards #CharityOfTheYear
Find out why on our blog >> utm.guru/uiBIJ
#CharityTimes #CharityTimesAwards #CharityOfTheYear
June 26, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Big news! We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for Charity Times' Charity of the Year! 🎉
Find out why on our blog >> utm.guru/uiBIJ
#CharityTimes #CharityTimesAwards #CharityOfTheYear
Find out why on our blog >> utm.guru/uiBIJ
#CharityTimes #CharityTimesAwards #CharityOfTheYear
Thank you @hawksmooruk.bsky.social, an amazing meal (the best Yorkshire puddings I’ve found south of my grandma’s in the East Riding) and fantastic team. @magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social is so grateful for your support to help keep pupils fuelled and ready to succeed during exam season. #FuelForSuccess
June 15, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Thank you @hawksmooruk.bsky.social, an amazing meal (the best Yorkshire puddings I’ve found south of my grandma’s in the East Riding) and fantastic team. @magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social is so grateful for your support to help keep pupils fuelled and ready to succeed during exam season. #FuelForSuccess
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed her plan to ensure "no child goes hungry, and every child can have the best chance to thrive and succeed”, but failed to clarify key details for the Government's national #SchoolBreakfast roll out.
🔍 Read our full response here: utm.guru/uit84
#SpendingReview
🔍 Read our full response here: utm.guru/uit84
#SpendingReview
June 12, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Yesterday, the Chancellor reaffirmed her plan to ensure "no child goes hungry, and every child can have the best chance to thrive and succeed”, but failed to clarify key details for the Government's national #SchoolBreakfast roll out.
🔍 Read our full response here: utm.guru/uit84
#SpendingReview
🔍 Read our full response here: utm.guru/uit84
#SpendingReview
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Access to inclusive breakfast clubs is essential for pupils who have Down’s syndrome, providing not only a nutritious start to the day but also important opportunities for social interaction.
We therefore fully support this call on members of the House of Lords to make amendments to the Bill.
We therefore fully support this call on members of the House of Lords to make amendments to the Bill.
June 10, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Access to inclusive breakfast clubs is essential for pupils who have Down’s syndrome, providing not only a nutritious start to the day but also important opportunities for social interaction.
We therefore fully support this call on members of the House of Lords to make amendments to the Bill.
We therefore fully support this call on members of the House of Lords to make amendments to the Bill.
A positive step toward ensuring no child or young person is #TooHungryToLearn.
Huge congratulations to everyone who has been campaigning for this.
t.co/lv5NUseE6P
Huge congratulations to everyone who has been campaigning for this.
t.co/lv5NUseE6P
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdr5mr5l2d1o
t.co
June 4, 2025 at 10:04 PM
A positive step toward ensuring no child or young person is #TooHungryToLearn.
Huge congratulations to everyone who has been campaigning for this.
t.co/lv5NUseE6P
Huge congratulations to everyone who has been campaigning for this.
t.co/lv5NUseE6P
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Hunger has a devastating impact on children's ability to focus & concentrate in addition to the impacts of stigma and shame.
Tackling food hunger in schools remains a key campaign priority for NASUWT.
@rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social
@magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2518770...
Tackling food hunger in schools remains a key campaign priority for NASUWT.
@rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social
@magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2518770...
www.heraldscotland.com
May 27, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Hunger has a devastating impact on children's ability to focus & concentrate in addition to the impacts of stigma and shame.
Tackling food hunger in schools remains a key campaign priority for NASUWT.
@rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social
@magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2518770...
Tackling food hunger in schools remains a key campaign priority for NASUWT.
@rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social
@magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2518770...
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
Lovely local coverage from yesterday’s visit with Magic Breakfast 🥯🍏🥛🥣
www.shieldsgazette.com/news/south-s...
www.shieldsgazette.com/news/south-s...
South Shields MP visits The Beacon Centre to see the breakfast club provision
Emma Lewell MP has visited The Beacon Centre to see the school’s breakfast club provision.
www.shieldsgazette.com
April 5, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Lovely local coverage from yesterday’s visit with Magic Breakfast 🥯🍏🥛🥣
www.shieldsgazette.com/news/south-s...
www.shieldsgazette.com/news/south-s...
Brilliant breakfast club visit this morning with @emmalewellmp.bsky.social to The Beacon Centre in South Shields. Thanks to the school staff, pupils and Eddie (school 🐶) for welcoming us so warmly and to Emma for being such a brilliant advocate for children, families, and school breakfasts 🧡
April 4, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Brilliant breakfast club visit this morning with @emmalewellmp.bsky.social to The Beacon Centre in South Shields. Thanks to the school staff, pupils and Eddie (school 🐶) for welcoming us so warmly and to Emma for being such a brilliant advocate for children, families, and school breakfasts 🧡
A brilliant two days in Edinburgh with Magic Breakfast’s board, staff, & visiting partner schools. People who care a whole awful lot. Lots achieved, lots to do!
A highlight for me was visiting Craigroyston High School, and speaking with students who deliver their school’s breakfast provision.
A highlight for me was visiting Craigroyston High School, and speaking with students who deliver their school’s breakfast provision.
March 29, 2025 at 10:41 AM
A brilliant two days in Edinburgh with Magic Breakfast’s board, staff, & visiting partner schools. People who care a whole awful lot. Lots achieved, lots to do!
A highlight for me was visiting Craigroyston High School, and speaking with students who deliver their school’s breakfast provision.
A highlight for me was visiting Craigroyston High School, and speaking with students who deliver their school’s breakfast provision.
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
From childhood we’re told how important breakfast is. Breakfast clubs help kids learn, encourage attendance and support families. I loved visiting Our Lady of the Rosary Primary in Peterlee to see how their breakfast club sets up their day. I’m working with Govt for a breakfast for every child.
February 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
From childhood we’re told how important breakfast is. Breakfast clubs help kids learn, encourage attendance and support families. I loved visiting Our Lady of the Rosary Primary in Peterlee to see how their breakfast club sets up their day. I’m working with Govt for a breakfast for every child.
Great to join @bbcbreakfast.bsky.social to talk about benefits of free school breakfasts as 750 schools soon starting pilot.
Magic Breakfast looks forward to supporting some schools on the scheme & sharing learnings so benefits are realised & no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
Magic Breakfast looks forward to supporting some schools on the scheme & sharing learnings so benefits are realised & no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
February 23, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Great to join @bbcbreakfast.bsky.social to talk about benefits of free school breakfasts as 750 schools soon starting pilot.
Magic Breakfast looks forward to supporting some schools on the scheme & sharing learnings so benefits are realised & no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
Magic Breakfast looks forward to supporting some schools on the scheme & sharing learnings so benefits are realised & no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
Great to attend First Minister’s Questions & several meetings at Scottish Parliament today.
I’m always struck by the reality of discussion, debate and behaviour in parliamentary debates. And impressed by topics covered. From waste management, to healthcare, to Scotch whisky! 🥃
I’m always struck by the reality of discussion, debate and behaviour in parliamentary debates. And impressed by topics covered. From waste management, to healthcare, to Scotch whisky! 🥃
February 20, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Great to attend First Minister’s Questions & several meetings at Scottish Parliament today.
I’m always struck by the reality of discussion, debate and behaviour in parliamentary debates. And impressed by topics covered. From waste management, to healthcare, to Scotch whisky! 🥃
I’m always struck by the reality of discussion, debate and behaviour in parliamentary debates. And impressed by topics covered. From waste management, to healthcare, to Scotch whisky! 🥃
See one of these other models in practice, beyond traditional breakfast clubs. This classroom provision for SEND pupils in Oldham brings to life what schools create when allowed to do what’s best for their pupils and context.
Sounds like 3rd time’s a charm for the 🧇 recipe! 😂
👉🏼 youtu.be/IW7myL0JIow
Sounds like 3rd time’s a charm for the 🧇 recipe! 😂
👉🏼 youtu.be/IW7myL0JIow
February 17, 2025 at 10:02 AM
See one of these other models in practice, beyond traditional breakfast clubs. This classroom provision for SEND pupils in Oldham brings to life what schools create when allowed to do what’s best for their pupils and context.
Sounds like 3rd time’s a charm for the 🧇 recipe! 😂
👉🏼 youtu.be/IW7myL0JIow
Sounds like 3rd time’s a charm for the 🧇 recipe! 😂
👉🏼 youtu.be/IW7myL0JIow
Good to join @paulbrand.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to talk school breakfasts & highlight need for schools to be enabled/supported to adopt a variety of models, not just clubs. It will maximise funds & impact for pupils.
Also the evidence for and importance of universal provision (not means tested).
Also the evidence for and importance of universal provision (not means tested).
February 16, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Good to join @paulbrand.bsky.social on @lbc.co.uk to talk school breakfasts & highlight need for schools to be enabled/supported to adopt a variety of models, not just clubs. It will maximise funds & impact for pupils.
Also the evidence for and importance of universal provision (not means tested).
Also the evidence for and importance of universal provision (not means tested).
To enable schools to maximise school breakfast funding and impact, the DfE must provide schools with flexibility, guidance & advice to deliver breakfast via various models: breakfast clubs, classroom, grab-&-go, & late provision. Via @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
We can’t feed pupils for 60p, say schools in blow to Labour breakfast club pledge
Critics warn of ‘political headlines over practical solutions’ as schools battle to cover cost of government’s flagship plan
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2025 at 1:41 PM
To enable schools to maximise school breakfast funding and impact, the DfE must provide schools with flexibility, guidance & advice to deliver breakfast via various models: breakfast clubs, classroom, grab-&-go, & late provision. Via @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
A privilege to give evidence to the Education Committee as they review the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Magic Breakfast’s evidence drew on 20+ years’ expertise of delivering universal, free school breakfasts, the evidence base, & lived experiences of pupils, parents, & school staff.
Magic Breakfast’s evidence drew on 20+ years’ expertise of delivering universal, free school breakfasts, the evidence base, & lived experiences of pupils, parents, & school staff.
February 4, 2025 at 9:41 PM
A privilege to give evidence to the Education Committee as they review the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Magic Breakfast’s evidence drew on 20+ years’ expertise of delivering universal, free school breakfasts, the evidence base, & lived experiences of pupils, parents, & school staff.
Magic Breakfast’s evidence drew on 20+ years’ expertise of delivering universal, free school breakfasts, the evidence base, & lived experiences of pupils, parents, & school staff.
Listen to @stephenmorganmp.bsky.social on @moneybox.bsky.social.
Says he’ll measure success of the school breakfasts Early Adopters Scheme based on it reaching the pupils who need it most.
Sufficient/sustainable funds are needed to deliver what will be a legal right.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Says he’ll measure success of the school breakfasts Early Adopters Scheme based on it reaching the pupils who need it most.
Sufficient/sustainable funds are needed to deliver what will be a legal right.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds
www.bbc.co.uk
January 11, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Listen to @stephenmorganmp.bsky.social on @moneybox.bsky.social.
Says he’ll measure success of the school breakfasts Early Adopters Scheme based on it reaching the pupils who need it most.
Sufficient/sustainable funds are needed to deliver what will be a legal right.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Says he’ll measure success of the school breakfasts Early Adopters Scheme based on it reaching the pupils who need it most.
Sufficient/sustainable funds are needed to deliver what will be a legal right.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Loved watching 2nd reading of the Children’s Wellbeing and School Bill. Valuable contributions from across parties (and way too many to list!!)
Hearing so many voices in our parliament advocating for children, wanting to make a difference fills me with hope. A great way to start 2025. #HappyNewYear
Hearing so many voices in our parliament advocating for children, wanting to make a difference fills me with hope. A great way to start 2025. #HappyNewYear
January 8, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Loved watching 2nd reading of the Children’s Wellbeing and School Bill. Valuable contributions from across parties (and way too many to list!!)
Hearing so many voices in our parliament advocating for children, wanting to make a difference fills me with hope. A great way to start 2025. #HappyNewYear
Hearing so many voices in our parliament advocating for children, wanting to make a difference fills me with hope. A great way to start 2025. #HappyNewYear
Bright Start Breakfasts is just that, a bright start. MSPs must enable this policy to move forward. This is the 1st step to full implementation of universal, free school breakfast provision in Scotland so no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
👏🏼 @jennygilruth.bsky.social
🔗 utm.guru/uhOAn
👏🏼 @jennygilruth.bsky.social
🔗 utm.guru/uhOAn
December 12, 2024 at 9:58 PM
Bright Start Breakfasts is just that, a bright start. MSPs must enable this policy to move forward. This is the 1st step to full implementation of universal, free school breakfast provision in Scotland so no child is #TooHungryToLearn.
👏🏼 @jennygilruth.bsky.social
🔗 utm.guru/uhOAn
👏🏼 @jennygilruth.bsky.social
🔗 utm.guru/uhOAn
Reposted by Lindsey MacDonald
📽️ The FT charity appeal this year is a partnership with Magic Breakfast - Sadiq Khan @mayoroflondon.bsky.social has given us his support - and spoke to me about prioritised tackling hunger in schools. Plus avoiding "sycophancy" with Trump presidency 2.0 www.ft.com/video/9c40ed... NO PAYWALL VIDEO!
Sadiq Khan on hunger in London classrooms | FT
In an interview for the FT Seasonal Appeal for Magic Breakfast and the FT's Financial Literacy and Inclusion Campaign charity (FLIC), London mayor Sadiq Khan discusses the link between child nutrition...
www.ft.com
December 4, 2024 at 4:45 PM
📽️ The FT charity appeal this year is a partnership with Magic Breakfast - Sadiq Khan @mayoroflondon.bsky.social has given us his support - and spoke to me about prioritised tackling hunger in schools. Plus avoiding "sycophancy" with Trump presidency 2.0 www.ft.com/video/9c40ed... NO PAYWALL VIDEO!