Feltham Good Grub Club “a godsend” for families

Free food, fun and games were enjoyed by families at Feltham Salvation Army’s annual Good Grub Club which ran throughout August. 

The London based club is an initiative that is in its sixth year and was set up to help ease the financial pressures low-income families experience over the school summer holidays. This year it took place at the Southville Centre in Feltham every Thursday morning in August. 

Children received a nutritious breakfast which included cereal and fruit and enjoyed activities like arts, crafts, colouring and games. On the final Thursday there was an indoor cinema afternoon with Toy Story 5 shown and popcorn provided. Each week of the Good Grub Club there was also a lunch stall with free items such as pasta, bread and tinned foods available for parents to pick up and take home. 

The Good Grub Club is led by Feltham Salvation Army officer, James Pegg and his wife, Sophie, The Salvation Army's West London Children & Family Worker, alongside volunteers. As part of its weekly programme of activity, the church at 166 Bedfont Lane runs a busy community drop-in every Wednesday morning from 10am – 12pm, which also provides food support. It has seen an increase in people coming in for help. Donations of non-perishable food items such as pasta and tinned foods are always welcome and can be dropped off at Feltham Salvation Army.

James said: “It was lovely to see so many families come together each week and enjoy the activity at the Good Grub Club. We know that the school holidays come with additional financial pressures, especially for parents and carers who rely on things like free school meals, and we wanted to do something to help ease that. 

“The number of people coming in to our weekly community drop-in has risen recently, we used to see around 30 people and some weeks it’s now closer to 60. We see a mix of individuals and families who come in for things like food support, help from The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service, or sometimes just for some company. 

“As well as being able to provide this practical support, it is a joy for us at Feltham Salvation Army to be able to journey alongside people and offer pastoral care. Anyone who is struggling is always welcome to come in and we will do what we can to help them.”

Christina is a full-time mother of two boys, aged 10 and 11, who both have autism. Her partner who previously worked in construction had to give this up due to injury and is now training to work in security. Christina originally started coming to Feltham Salvation Army five years ago for food support after being referred by her children’s school. She now comes in every week, and as well as attending the Good Grub Club over the summer holidays, the family also attend other activities at the church throughout the year. 

Christina said: “The cost of food is so expensive. I get support all year round, all I need to do is ask James. Feltham Salvation Army has been there for me in good times and bad.

“The Good Grub Club is a godsend, it’s amazing. Both my sons and I have made friends here and they really enjoy coming in. There’s always a lovely warm atmosphere; it feels a bit like a family. We always feel welcome when we come in. If we didn’t have Feltham Salvation Army, I think it would be really hard. We look forward to coming in every week and seeing James and the volunteers here, it makes such a difference in our lives to have somewhere like this.” 

Other activity at Feltham Salvation Army includes a Cameo (Come and meet each other) group on a Monday afternoon, and a coffee morning every Thursday. For more information visit the website: Feltham Salvation Army