EVERY child deserves the kind of joyful experiences that become lasting memories — good food, great friends, shared laughter, and the freedom to simply be a child.

Through its partnership with Funfest, CB Chicken created exactly that for 40 children from the Food for Thought (FFT) Breakfast Programme and the Ministry of National Security and Peace’s (MNSP) Inter-Ministerial Case Management Programme, treating them to a memorable day of fun, adventure, and experiences they’ll cherish for years to come. The two programmes are initiatives committed to supporting children through nutrition, education and community intervention.

The children enjoyed unlimited access to rides, food, and refreshments throughout the day at Funfest, held at Hope Gardens in St Andrew at the start of the month, creating memories that will stay with them.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to explore, have fun with friends, and enjoy new experiences in a space where they feel safe and celebrated,” said Nicole Hall, senior manager for commercial marketing at CB Foods. “At CB Chicken, we’re committed to helping Jamaicans eat better, live well, and enjoy meaningful moments together.

“We wanted to give these children the freedom to simply be children — to laugh, play, and create happy memories that will stay with them long after the day is over,” she said.

The FFT Breakfast Programme was launched in January 2023 at Shortwood Practising Primary & Infant School after administrators identified that many students were arriving at school without having breakfast, affecting attendance, concentration, and academic performance. In 2025, the initiative expanded to Tavares Gardens Primary School through the MNSP’s Inter-Ministerial Case Management Programme and now provides nutritious breakfasts to approximately 110 students throughout the academic year.

Hall said the partnership also reflects CB Chicken’s commitment to supporting communities beyond a single event.

“We’ve proudly supported Funfest over the years, and it was especially meaningful to take that partnership a step further through this community giveback and share the experience with these children,” Hall added. “We’re now looking forward to building on that impact by partnering with Funfest and the Food for Thought Breakfast Programme to support its school breakfast initiative.”

Ella Ghartey, project lead for Funfest, welcomed the collaboration.

“Creating fun, wholesome, and accessible experiences for children has always been at the heart of Funfest. Watching the children laugh, try new experiences, and enjoy every moment of the day was exactly the kind of impact we hoped to create. We’re grateful to CB Chicken, the Food for Thought Breakfast Programme, and the Ministry of National Security and Peace for helping make it possible,” she said.

Renee Steele McCarthy, senior policy director at the ministry, said the initiative demonstrates the impact of meaningful partnerships.

“This partnership represents far more than a day of entertainment; it is an investment in positive childhood experiences. Opportunities like these help reinforce belonging, confidence, and emotional well-being while showing what is possible when government and the private sector work together to invest meaningfully in children and communities,” she said.

Kareen Fredankey, guidance counsellor at Shortwood Practising Primary & Infant School, said the experience will leave benefits that extend well beyond the event itself.

“Experiences like these give children the chance to build confidence, form friendships, and discover new experiences outside the classroom. Those opportunities play an important role in their personal and social development,” she said.