Summer Lunch Project 2020: 2105 Lunches Distributed2020 saw the Summer Lunch Project taking place in a challenging environment with the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 virus. The aim of the project was, as always, to reach families who struggle to feed their children during the long summer break. A total of 2105 packed lunches were distributed to all the children who came to one of the three pick-up points, regardless of circumstances. Volunteers reported that parents expressed gratitude for the availability of the lunches and the positive impact this initiative has had on the community. Local schools, Addlestone Salvation Army and Children’s Social Care Workers were pleased to see the project taking place and grateful for the support it offered local families in difficult times. Unfortunately, the popular Friday Stay, Play and Eat sessions, where cooked lunches are served to families and free activities provided, could not take place this year due to social distancing. The Project relies on kind and generous financial donations from St Paul’s church family, members of the local community, our social media contacts, friends and families. Some families make donations as they collect the lunches although this is not required. Donations in the amount of £1782.04 were gratefully received this year (as of 07/09/2020). The cost pie chart below gives an idea of cost distribution. Non-food costs this year included a thermometer, hand sanitiser, sanitiser spray and gloves to comply with Covid-19 regulations and ensure the safety of the volunteer team.
Manager Ellie Pool and her team thank all those who generously donated time, money or allotment produce, along with Warburtons for 50 loaves a week for sandwiches, Tesco’s Addlestone for helping to source vast quantities of crisps, fruit juice and apples and donating over £50 towards the last week’s shop, Runnymede Foodbank for sandwich fillings and the Salvation Army for catering size cake mixes!
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