University of Portsmouth delivers food parcels to stop children going hungry over half term

The initiative was launched by the University of Portsmouth’s School of Education and Sociology after the government confirmed it would no longer being extending free school meals (FSM) vouchers over holiday periods.

Head of school, Dr Catherine Carroll-Meehan, was moved to launch the initiative after being incensed by the decision.

Dr Carroll-Meehan said: ‘The government’s decision not to support struggling families at this time is not acceptable.The need now is greater than ever and I was so upset after hearing the decision that I decided to do something about it.’

After contacting colleagues, items of food such as pasta, sauces and tinned foods were collected as well as the donation of £150 which enabled Dr Carroll-Meehan to purchase food from Tesco. The university also contacted the Hampshire based charity, Big Difference, who donated 20 food parcels worth £30 each.

The parcels were today (Friday) delivered to Cottage Grove and Milton Park primary schools in Southsea.

Dr Carroll-Meehan, who has worked in education for over 30 years, said: ‘Children returning to school without having enough food can really lack the energy to engage with learning and it can also affect their mood.’

Cottage Grove head teacher, Penny Honeychurch said the food parcels would be a ‘big help’ to local families after seeing a large increase in the number of children entitled to FSM since the start of the pandemic. The school now has over 45 per cent of pupils registered for FSM.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth pledges £215k for free meals feed 7,000 needy children over Christmas after government snubs plan

Mrs Honeychurch said: ‘We are delighted with the food parcels after the disappointment of the government’s decision not to support the most vulnerable children. We’ve a lot of parents who’ve lost jobs during the pandemic and this food will really help support those families most in need.’

Milton Park Primary School headteacher, Wendy Fowler, has also seen an increase in the number of children dependent on FSM which now stands at 30 per cent.

Mrs Fowler added: ‘Some families have been really struggling during the pandemic and after this week’s announcement by the government I’m really grateful for the university stepping in with these parcels.’

Both schools have contacted families identified as most in need to come and collect the parcels.

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