Telford & Wrekin Council are extending the free breakfast parcels provision over Christmas until the New Year, which means that those in receipt of free school meals will continue to receive the invaluable support and are asking for donations from residents.
The provision provides children aged 3 – 11 years who are in receipt of free school meals with breakfast items for five days. The parcels are distributed to eligible families who require additional support and who are experiencing difficulties as a result of the pandemic.
It is hoped that funding from the Council and Defra will extend the provision over the festive period, which will mean that many children will start the day with a good breakfast by fuelling their brains and bodies, to enable them to learn, develop and play.
Over the past five months the Council, its community partners, parish councils, charities and volunteers have worked very hard to ensure that local children have a healthy breakfast.
From June to August a staggering 43,800 breakfasts have been distributed across the borough, with the Council planning to continue the provision to Easter next year.
Commitment to the community
Councillor Paul Watling Cabinet Member for Cooperative Communities, Engagement and Partnerships commented: “We are committed to supporting our communities through these difficult times over the Christmas holiday period and hopefully through to Easter.
“It was the hard work of Council officers and the continued support from partner organisations that secured this further extension of the service.
“Our community partners and their volunteers have put in a substantial amount of work to make this provision available, it has been a fantastic effort and we know this service will be welcomed by families.
How you can help
These are some examples of how your support could make a difference:
£2 could add a selection box to a child’s Christmas Breakfast Parcel
£3 could provide ingredients to make pancakes or add extra fruit for a week
£10 could buy an activity pack for 5 children
£20 could add a tin of baked beans to 40 breakfast packs to give 40 children a warm meal to start the day
To make a donation please visit Telford’s Breakfast Parcels for Children