Army of Kindness volunteers distribute hundreds of lunches for children over half term

Date published: 05 November 2020

Hundreds of lunches were made for children over half term by Army of Kindness volunteers, in partnership with the Alkhair Foundation, distributed from five collection points in Rochdale.

Numerous community groups and businesses rallied together for fear that children who usually receive free school meals would go hungry over the half term period, after the government voted not to extend its free school meal voucher scheme implemented over the summer holidays.

For the first time ever this year due to the pandemic, the government funded vouchers for those eligible for free school meals over the summer holidays to support children from disadvantaged families.
 

Read more: MPs divided on votes for extending free school meals over holidaysPublished: 24 October 2020

The volunteers made lunch bags on a daily basis at Kashmiri Youth Project, which kindly offered the use of its kitchen facilities. Five locations were provided by the council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing for use as pick-up points, allowing residents to collect lunch bags during the week between 12 noon and 2pm.

The majority of costs were funded by the Alkhair Foundation, with additional financial contributions from individuals and organisations.

Volunteer Mohammed Shiri Sheraz, of Army of Kindness, said: “Many families had been left without access to free school meals for their children over the October half term.

“Some of the stories and situations described by parents and children were moving; children should not left be left to starve.

“Our youngest volunteers were aged seven to 10 years old and were a joy to have. Thank you to all the volunteers who participated in this initiative.

“Thank you to the council and RBH for providing venues, and to Councillor John Blundell for providing Meadow Fields community centre as a location at such short notice and making it possible.

“Finally thanks to volunteers from Aspire 2 Inspire and also Army of Kindness. The volunteers await the Christmas period to come back together and help serve the children and families.”