CHILDREN in Leicester on benefits-related free school meals won’t miss out over the half-term break, thanks to a holiday food programme that’s supported by Company Shop and Leicester-based Samworth Brothers.
The city council has teamed up with the surplus retailer and the food manufacturer to provide eligible families with fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and store cupboard essentials to ensure children have some breakfast, lunch and dinner options over half-term.
Families who are eligible for the scheme will have been notified by their child’s school, but anyone who hasn’t yet registered their interest must do so by Tuesday (10 May).
They will then be able to collect their food from one of five pop-up community pantries that will be set up at sites across the city – including local schools, a leisure centre and the King Power stadium.
Each site will be open on one day between Thursday 26 May and Sunday 29 May for a specified time.
Families will be able to select a good food hamper and additional items from the community pantry, choosing food their child likes to eat.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads the city council’s anti-poverty agenda, said: “It’s been another tough year for everyone, but it’s been particularly difficult for families on low incomes, especially as we see fuel and food prices soaring.
“I’m therefore really pleased that we’re going to be opening up our half-term food ‘shops’ again this month, which will hopefully make life a little easier for many local families.
“Around 14,500 children and young people in Leicester are eligible for free school meals and it’s vital that they don’t miss out on a meal when the schools are closed.
“I’d like to thank the team at Samworth Brothers and Company Shop for helping us support thousands of young people and their families across the city with this important half-term initiative, and I’d also like to thank the volunteers who will give up their time to help staff our five community pantries.
“Eligible families who have been contacted by their child’s school should now make sure they register for the half-term scheme by Tuesday (10 May).”
Leicester-based Samworth Brothers produce premium quality chilled and ambient foods – from sandwiches, meals and savoury pastries to salads, cooked meats and snacks – so they were perfectly placed to provide the city council with the thousands of items required.
Paula Gagin, Samworth Brothers Community Champion, said: “We’ve worked together across the group and with the Company Shop team to secure the huge amount of food required.
“It was quite a challenge, but we have some fantastic people who pulled out all the stops to make it happen. We are passionate about our role within our local communities and I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to support such a great initiative.”
Steph McGinty, Group Managing Director, Company Shop Group, said: “Food insecurity remains a real concern, particularly during school holidays, so we’re delighted to be working with Leicester City Council and Samworth Brothers to support this activity. Ensuring people can access fresh and healthy food is vital so that they and their communities can thrive.”
The city council has allocated £110,000 from the Household Support Grant to fund the initiative and help support the city’s most financially vulnerable families.
Eligible families wishing to take up the offer have until Tuesday (10 May) to complete a registration form and select the pop-up shop they wish to use.
The May half-term food scheme is offered to families who have children who:
- receive benefits-related free school meals
- are at full-time school (aged 4 to 16)
- live in Leicester (or attend a city school, if they live outside of Leicester)
Anyone who thinks their child might be eligible for free school meals can find out more at leicester.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals