Traders from Preston Markets joined forces to bring free packed lunches to children suffering from food poverty this October half-term.
AdvertisementThe meals were provided throughout the half-term holiday and were aimed at those who would usually receive free school dinners.
The lunches contained foods donated by the traders, with each bag including a sandwich, fruit, a yogurt and sweets.
The scheme was organised and orchestrated by Julie Fausset, who is the proprietor of Brew + Bake, a speciality coffee shop located in the covered market.
She said: “I know that most people believe that no child should go hungry during the half-term break. I knew that the traders would probably feel the same.
“After chatting to a few stall holders, we teamed together to prepare the lunch bags. The traders always step up to help where we can.”
Nikki Keefe from Pickles of Preston was also involved. She said: “I helped out my city as they have helped me to survive through these difficult times.”
Other traders who rallied to put together the packed lunches included Arthur Strand, Cherry Pie, Fresh and Fruity and Livesey’s Butchers.
Read more: Preston Mayor opens expanded Fresh and Fruity stall
The project came in the wake of last week’s government announcement that free school meals would not be extended over half-term.
The decision inspired many Preston people to help feed the city’s children, while footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford gave his seal of approval to the efforts being made by Preston North End.
Read more: Preston North End offering free meals for city’s vulnerable children and families during half-term
Rashford has launched a petition urging the Government to end child food poverty, which has been signed by over one million people.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
What do you think of the traders doing packed lunches? Have you been involved with any child hunger initiatives this half-term? Let us know in the comments.