Over 43,000 healthy meals and 3,380 Christmas presents provided to school pupils in Stoke-on-Trent
School pupils across Stoke-on-Trent benefited from a range of activities, food and gifts throughout the Christmas holidays thanks to a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Hubb Foundation.
Thousands of children made new friends, took part in a range of enrichment activities and were provided with healthy meals through the Holiday Activities and Food programme.
The HAF this winter formed part of the Stronger Together Through Winter campaign which unites services across the city in helping those in most need.
Key statistics from the winter HAF programme include:
- 43,968 healthy meals were provided
- 136 free activity sessions were held
- 3,380 presents were distributed
- 1,435 slow cookers/vouchers distributed
The Government’s Holiday Activities and Food fund (HAF) primarily supports children who receive free school meals. However, in Stoke-on-Trent, many more children across the city were able to access the Christmas activities programme.
Cllr Abi Brown, leader of the city council said: “Improving outcomes for children and young people in the city is our number one priority and I’m delighted that we have been able to help children and families at what is a difficult time for everyone.
“Many households are feeling anxious about the rising cost of living and I am incredibly proud that our city is coming together to help those most in need through the Stronger Together Through Winter campaign. Working alongside the Hubb Foundation, these free activities and meals meant that vulnerable children in the city were still able to experience the magic of Christmas.”
Adam Yates, Chief Operations Officer for the Hubb Foundation, said: “The Hubb team is delighted to have again worked with the city council to ensure that children and families who really need help over the festive period are not forgotten. We know that these are difficult times for everyone and we hope to provide reassurance, support and a little happiness for children and young people most in need here in Stoke-on-Trent.”
The HAF scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions in order to help families access food and essential supplies. The HAF scheme will continue during the Easter and summer holidays.
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