Schools across Scotland are turning into community hubs this summer as a charity programme aims to tackle food poverty
Schools across four council areas in Scotland are opening their doors to offer free meals to pupils at risk of holiday hunger.
The Children in Scotland Food, Families, Futures (FFF) programme is expanding this year to provide support to more than 20,000 youngsters.
Supported by food distribution company Brakes' Meals and More programme, FFF offers cooking classes for parents, activities for children and the opportunity for everyone to eat a meal together.
The programme, which has been running in Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire for the last two years, will now include schools in Perth and Kinross and East Lothian.
Jackie Brock, chief executive of Children in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the expansion of the Food, Families, Futures partnership. We know the summer holidays can be a time of pressure for many families, but FFF highlights the strengths in our communities and our ability to collaborate, offer support and solve problems together.
“Thanks to Meals and More and the local councils involved this year, FFF is opening up schools so that even more families can access quality food and fantastic activities during the long summer break.”
The Food, Families, Futures programme aims to tackle food poverty and turn schools into community hubs during the summer months.
Parents are guided on how to prepare fresh, healthy meals under the direction of qualified community chefs, while children enjoy activities ranging from sport and play to arts and crafts. Families have the opportunity to cook and eat together as part of the experience.
Sessions range from part-day to full-day, with clubs running from between five and 25 days over the summer holiday period.
Pem Hulusi, programme manager for Brakes’ Meals and More programme added: “With Children in Scotland, we’re delighted to be supporting the FFF clubs in their third year. The great work in Scotland represents our wider commitment to retaining and strengthening all our Meals & More partnerships across the UK.
“Our long-term ambition is to increase the capacity within these clubs to reach more children, support families and communities in need, and continue the fight against child poverty.”
Earlier this week the Scottish Government announce £1.5m in funding through its Fair Food Fund. It will support projects that help people move away from emergency food provision and access healthy, nutritious food through community based activities and support.
