Free school meals & closures

[Stronger76]

I know there's a separate topic. But please please consider that for far too many children in 21st century Britain, their free school dinner is the only proper meal they eat.

I have direct experience of this, from both sides. If schools are forced to close (either by the government or due to having no staff) then many thousands of children will go hungry. Others will also lose their safe haven, place to be themselves instead of a carer, escape from domestic abuse.

If you can, drop something off at your local food bank or shelter. Ring your council for places to donate. Be supportive of your schools - there is so much more going on inside those walls than exam grades.

Excellent post @Stronger76 and a sobering thought.

If you can afford it, it’s also worth investigating whether your local food bank can accept monetary donations - that way you can donate online and volunteers can purchase what is most needed. Ours accepts both one off and regular standing order donations so I’m planning to donate that way for now.

My ds secondary school are open for year 11 rest of week and other year groups are staggered with partial opening.

They have offered to make a free packed lunch for every FSM pupil everyday for collection if requested each morning.

Have to say they impressed me

My sons primary are making up packed lunch of sandwich with choice of 3 fillings, a piece of fruit and a drink for all children entitled to FSM. Parent needs to phone and order it daily though & go and collect it. It’s something. Lots won’t get it though. Most likely those that need it the most.

My school (secondary) have said they are going to make food vouchers available for pupils on free school meals. Not entirely sure what this involves, but I’m pleased that our SLT have thought about it.

My DDs primary school have said they're making arrangements with the school meal provider to provide food parcels for children entitled to FSM in the event of school closures.

I'm in the US and my district is distributing free breakfasts and lunches using the same channels that they use during the summer holidays.

Can't UK schools do this too?

HoldMyLobster

Uk schools don't distribute meals during the school holidays.

@HoldMyLobster Unfortunately, in the UK, children don’t get fed in the school holidays so we have nothing in place to facilitate this. Many vulnerable children dread the holidays as a result.

Holdmylobster, how does that work? The "districts" don't provide meals in holiday in UK but it may be possible to have some sort of community effort, but doesn't that mean lots of people coming together ie the opposite of reducing social contact?

People pick up the meals from a van that's parked in the area of town where most of the low income families live. It doesn't involve any more social contact than you'd get in a supermarket queue, and is outdoors.

Schools are looking at ways to support these families, it would be really useful to have some guidance from government or local authorities!

Which do you think is best?

• trying to keep canteens open?
• food hampers?
• supermarket vouchers?

Any better ideas gratefully received !

More about the various programs in this news storywww.pressherald.com/2020/03/16/maine-schools-working-to-get-meals-to-students-amid-coronavirus-closures/

Many places are part of the Food4Lunch scheme, which provides a meal for a child who would normally get a school dinner.

Sorry messed up the link
www.pressherald.com/2020/03/16/maine-schools-working-to-get-meals-to-students-amid-coronavirus-closures/

Our LA will provide a packed lunch for FSM children each day but they have to go and collect them.

A local school to me has closed their kitchen as the staff are off so have asked everyone to bring in pack ups.

Numerous people have offered to make up extra pack ups for those that may need help, said to message directly and will be kept anonymous.

Lovely gesture

I've just belatedly watched today's press conference. Boris promised there is/will be a plan to provide for fsm children but he didn't say what it is!

DS’ school has said that children who are entitled to FSM can still go in for lunch as long as they’re in school uniform.

They are operating a rolling closure for the lower years.

In my area those who get FSMs will get lunch at local community centres

No news about fsm provision from my DCs schools, tbh it hadn't occurred to me that provision would be possible.its going to cost me a lot more with three at home including one from uni

They knocked down our community centre and put houses there instead

We’re giving supermarket vouchers.

Uk schools don't distribute meals during the school holidays.

An increasing number do. Lots of schools run holiday hunger projects.

Our primary is putting together care packs. There's not a lot on FSM round here, but a few who are in desperate need. They're asking anyone who can to donate food and hygiene items this week so they can get things ready for if/when school closes.

I am part of the PTA and we are putting money towards a supply of good and snacks for families entitled to FSM