Children fed for free in Penrith as school holidays arrive
published on 27 Jul 2023
Free meals for kids over summer holidays thanks to Penrith Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Penrith will be offering free meals for children to tackle the financial pressures faced by many families during the school holidays.
Taking place weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:15 pm at the church and community centre on Hunter Lane, The Salvation Army will be offering a free, nutritious meal for school age children under 16 years old to support families when the safety net of free meals ends as schools shut for the six-week summer holidays.
Major Carole Donaldson, church leader of The Salvation Army in Penrith said: “Many families face tough financial choices once the schools break up for summer and some have the worry of finding the extra money to feed their children every day. Our lunch club offering aims to relieve that pressure. For us we say heart to God, hand to man and ensuring that children get a hearty meal without the expense to families already struggling is something that we feel passionate about.
“The Salvation Army has always been at the heart of communities, and we want our local community to know that we are here to help them - whether that is supporting families, offering friendships to isolated individuals or just building new relationships. As inflation remains high, we anticipate being busy across all areas of our work as more people are finding themselves pushed into poverty.”
A set meal and a drink will be available and will vary each day but could include a light meal option such as soup or a sandwich or pies or meat accompanied by vegetables.
Advanced booking is required in order to allow The Salvation Army in Penrith to plan their catering. Bookings can be made by calling the church directly on 01768 866732. All children attending must be accompanied by an adult.
The free meals offer for children will end on Wednesday, August 23, and the church and community centre will be closed from Monday, August 28, to Sunday, September 3.
Offering free meals for children is another way in which The Salvation Army in Penrith supports people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis as more people find it difficult to make ends meet. The church and charity will also be holding a uniform project of new and unused school uniform, whilst stocks last, as well as providing baby children, maternity and adult clothing as well as a food bank which offers food parcel support via a referral three days a week.
The Penrith Corps (church) has a Just Giving page available for those wishing to support and donate to the church and charity specifically for its work locally which can be found at www.justgiving.com/penrith-salvation-army. Whilst all donations are welcome people are encouraged to donate only what they can afford.
