Who remembers turkey twizzlers? Square pizza? Potato cubes? Ice cream and jelly, anyone? Whether you have good or bad memories of school meals, they are a lifeline for many children in Tower Hamlets.
There are 90 state schools in the borough. With 49% of children living in poverty, many pupils receive free school meals because their parents or guardian is on low income.
But what happens to the children during the holidays without a good meal? Can the already tight family budget stretch to another five meals per week, per child? Or will there be people going hungry this summer?
Each year we see parents go without food in order to provide meals for their children. Little or no money for activities and resources to keep the children entertained, can sometimes lead to a decrease in their well-being. It was facts like this that inspired us to start a summer scheme in 2012, now known as LOVE Summer, to make sure that summer is a time full of love, joy, fun, friendship and community… and not 6 weeks of hunger and isolation.
Can you donate just £3 today to tackle holiday hunger & isolation?
Text ‘SUMR03 £3’ to 70070 and donate towards LOVE Summer today.
The money raised will ensure children in Tower Hamlets don’t go hungry this summer and that they have fun, are entertained and stimulated through learning and new experiences. It will also mean that their parents are not isolated without the daily interactions at the school gates. Everyone will have the opportunity to build relationships as well as getting any extra support needed from our project workers.
Last year parents and children loved this whole family approach and said:
“The scheme had a bit of everything. I really liked the activities, and I got to spend quality time with my daughter.”
“There were lots of things for the kids to do, and new people to meet – everyone was really friendly”
“I like the activities for the children – my daughter really enjoys it. The information you can get there is also really useful”.
LOVE Summer provides food support to families in Tower Hamlets who receive free school meals during term time, and might find the long stretch of summer difficult. The aim is to alleviate the financial strain on families who are affected by this extra expense. We want to make sure that families who are more vulnerable to isolation have access to enriching opportunities for their children.
Families are nominated for LOVE Summer by a teacher or school family support officer who knows them and their situation well. We have some great activities, entertainment and weekly events planned this year for the children, teenagers and the adults that attend, including an Olympic special, science, discovery, animals, nature and arts themed sessions. Every week of the holidays, the families will also receive food support and goodies to take home to entertain and help them cope throughout the week.
Can you donate just £3 today to tackle holiday hunger & isolation?
Text ‘SUMR03 £3’ to 70070 and donate towards LOVE Summer today.
Thank you for your support.
Follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook to see pictures and updates from the sessions, and keep a look out for the weekly blogs!