The i newspaper has exceeded £500,000 in a fundraising milestone for its Magic Breakfast appeal since its launch in December.

The generosity of readers has enabled the paper to fund nearly 1.5 million meals for hungry school children, ensuring they can begin the day with the best possible start.

Hunger is the enemy of learning, i’s Editor-in-Chief Oliver Duff said, as the paper’s Christmas appeal partner Magic Breakfast hailed the “phenomenal” sum of money raised for the most vulnerable children in the UK.

As part of its drive, i has shared stories from dozens of schools showing how Magic Breakfast has improved everything from attendance to concentration, and has heard how the meals stop families having to cut down on heating and other essentials.

Oliver Duff told the SoE: “With food poverty increasing in the UK, i readers have mobilised to help children who are turning up to school on an empty stomach. Hunger is the enemy of learning. So i readers have raised over £500,000 to buy 1.5 million healthy breakfasts for school children in Britain who otherwise face going without.

“i’s readers and staff should not have to provide breakfast for children. But in the circumstances, needs must. This ‘Fuel for Learning’ campaign was built on reader activism – and it has had brilliant and immediate impact in communities around the UK.

“Our readers have a strong social conscience and their generosity is no surprise to i’s staff.”

Emily Wilkie, head of fundraising at Magic Breakfast, said no-one at the charity ever imagined that they would be announcing that half a million pounds had been raised when the appeal launched in December.

“We have been so humbled to watch bags of post arrive in the Magic Breakfast office each day, every envelope providing much-needed support for the most vulnerable children in the UK.”

Donate to the appeal here.