During the first week of this year’s Summer Lunch Project, volunteers from HeBrews Coffee Shop at St Paul’s Addlestone and the local community distributed 400 free packed lunches through five different pick up points across Addlestone and Chertsey. In 2017, an average of 250 lunches were collected per week so this year’s figures represent a staggering increase of 60% higher uptake.
Ellie Pool, Summer Lunch Project Leader, who started the project in 2015, said: “People will be surprised to learn about the level of need in this county. The majority of state schools in this area give free school meals at rates well above the national average of 24.9%. What is more, the statistics do not reflect the high numbers of families who are not eligible for support but are struggling to make ends meet whilst both parents work. The scheme gives lunches to all children with no discrimination. We always have a donation pot available so families can make a contribution if they choose to. By operating in this way the Project aims to ensure that no child in Addlestone or Chertsey needs to go hungry and no family feels the burden of feeding their children through the long summer weeks. Throughout the Summer Lunch Project the highlight of the week is always the Stay Play & Eat sessions which take place every Friday. At these events we have volunteers who run crafting activities and face painting, and usually we have an additional highlight such as an entertainer or a petting zoo to give it a party atmosphere. There is always enough food for both children and parents/carers. Whilst it is sad to hear stories of need from the families who come, it is also very gratifying to know that the work we do is really making a difference.”
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