MORE than 130,000 free “school” meals have been served up – to pupils on their summer holidays.
Scotland’s largest council funded local groups to feed youngsters during the seven-week break over fear that many would miss out on decent meals due to money problems at home.
So-called “holiday hunger” is a growing concern, with children from struggling families unable to access free canteen lunches while classes are on pause.
Now it has emerged that Glasgow City Council provided food for almost 15,000 youngsters through its Children’s Holiday Food Programme last summer. The scheme saw almost £840,000 distributed amongst almost 100 organisations across the city.
While some focused on lunches, others provided two and even three meals per day. Snacks were also on the menu from some.
The results are revealed in a newly-released report.
Already repeated during the October week, when 6000 people benefited, it is hoped that the scheme can run again during the February and Easter holidays.
Councillor Allan Gow, the local authority’s treasurer, said: “Feeding your family over the holidays is a very real worry for many in the city. This programme has not only helped to alleviate food poverty but it also reduces the stigma around those who suffer from it by being inclusive to all of the city’s children. It helps to build equality and relationships within the community.
“The evaluation work has shown the programme to have numerous associated benefits to the children attending, their families, the wider communities in which they run and even in the organisations themselves.
“I’m pleased that work is progressing to make funds available for the mid-term holidays in February and looking ahead to next Easter.”
The report for councillors found the summer scheme has “improved the health and well-being of children and young people across the city, as well as supporting their families”.
Some 14,674 youngsters benefited, while a total of 131,508 meals were served up.
The initiative was backed by the Voluntary Action Fund (VAF), which worked with the partner organisations. The VAF paper said: “The fund was described as not only valuable but essential and has been appreciated by families.
“Organisations felt that it helped reduce the stigma around food poverty during the school holiday as the fund was universal to all children. This allowed children to be treated and seen as equals.
“The fund delivered food in a dignified way, with the focus being on fun summer activities rather than on the food,” it added.
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