With a grant of £5,000 from the Comic Relief Local Communities fund, FareShare East Midlands was able to address the issue of ‘holiday hunger’ in Leicester, which is gaining more recognition nationally. The grant contributed towards the core costs of redistributing food to six holiday projects across the country, including dairy products, bread, cooked meats, fruit and vegetables for the production of nutritious meals.
The funding ensured that some 480 vulnerable children and parents in the city had access to healthy breakfasts and lunches throughout the school holidays. National evidence indicates that school holidays can see some families experiencing difficulties due to the additional costs associated with looking after their children, particularly among vulnerable and low income families. The evidence also shows that children who regularly miss out on meals and arrive at school hungry and thirsty are put at a disadvantage because they lack concentration and the ability to learn.
With Leicester being in the worst 7% of districts for deprivation, and 1 in 3 children living below the poverty line, the FareShare holiday hunger project is meeting a genuine need. If you’d like some information about setting up a fund with the Community Foundation, which could benefit a range of local needs, please contact Katy Green on 0116 262 4804.
