Free meals and uniforms for families across Wales

The Salvation Army is supporting parents across Wales as the school summer holidays begin, offering free meals for children and free school uniforms to help ease the financial pressure many families experience while school is out. 

The Salvation Army in Mold is open from 9.30am to 3pm, Tuesday to Saturday across the school holidays. The support has made a significant difference to local families over the past few years, according to Major Michelle Hayter: 

“If your children usually receive free school meals, suddenly having to provide lunch, snacks and activities every day can be costly. By offering free meals, we're helping families free up money so they can enjoy the fun things their children want to do. When we remind parents that the meals are free, you can see the smile on their faces.” 

Alongside helping families through the summer holidays, The Salvation Army is also supporting parents preparing for the new school year. 

As parents look ahead to September, many may already be worried about the cost of new school uniforms. To help, The Salvation Army’s charity shops and donation centres across Wales are offering free school uniforms. The donation centres in Gorseinon in Swansea and in Cardiff have already given away more than 3,000 free items donated by Bridgend-based supplier Euroschools Direct. 

Craig Mawer, manager at Euroschools Direct, said: 

“We're really pleased the uniforms have been able to support The Salvation Army's work. When we realised we had unused stock, we wanted it to make a genuine difference rather than end up as waste. The Salvation Army felt like the right choice because of their strong community presence and the support they offer to parents facing financial pressure.”

The church and community centre at Mold also offers recycling-themed craft sessions on selected days, including mosaic coasters, decorated jars and bird feeders. Free meals are available to all children under 16, with no requirement for adults to buy any of the items on offer. 

Families are encouraged to contact their local Salvation Army church, community centre or charity shop for more information www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page