The Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project helps children to learn how to make healthy meals
An award-winning food programme delivered across Scotland has again provided hundreds of children with nutritious meals, activities and positive social experiences over the summer holiday period.
The Food, Families, Futures (FFF) project, run by Children in Scotland, has been active in seven local authorities during the 2019 summer break, welcoming more than 200 children and providing approximately 3,500 meals.
The programme, now in its fourth year, aims to alleviate the food insecurity experienced by many families during school holidays.
Working with the national charity Meals & More, which is supported by Brakes Foodservice, and alongside local councils and partnership organisations, FFF supports school buildings to become community hubs over the summer holiday period, providing social spaces for local families.
Those who attend the summer holiday clubs are helped to prepare healthy food, provided with a free lunch, and have the opportunity to take part in fun activities.
Neil Orr, FFF project manager, said: “Through FFF Children in Scotland has developed a unique oversight of holiday provision across much of the country, and we've been delighted to again be involved in supporting the delivery of this unique partnership programme.
“During the summer of 2019, we have established or funded 12 family support projects. To date these projects have welcomed approximately 75 adults and 255 children and supplied approximately 3,500 meals.
“Our supported projects have offered adventure play, outdoor trips, cooking, creative play and many, many more learning and socialising activities.”
Peter McGrath, operations director of Meals & More, added: “The Food, Families, Futures programme took place in settings across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Stirling, Fife, Clackmannanshire and West Dunbartonshire during July and August.
“Meals & More recognises the excellent work that clubs and their volunteers carry out on a daily basis throughout the school holidays, which ensures that the children and families in those areas have a real positive experience.”
As well as offering financial support through Food, Families, Futures, Children in Scotland is also engaging with local authorities to learn from and share good practice.
