Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hackney Council is running a holiday programme with free meals and activities for children eligible for free school meals during school holidays.
The nonprofit The National Lottery has awarded Hackney School of Food funds for family-friendly events.
The program seeks to close a widening gap during the holidays when parents must pay more for daycare and students from low-income families do not receive free school meals.
“The holidays can be stressful and costly for families on low incomes,”
Hackney School of Food director Zoe McIntyre said.
“This funding means we can support those most at risk, offering skills and social connection as well as meals.
Our community kitchen and garden is where children can thrive and families can feel supported.”
The Hackney organization notes that while the government’s holiday activities program helps families during the summer break, it does not last for the entire six weeks.
Holiday hunger, social isolation, and a lack of activities may all be stressful for kids.
The Hackney project offers 20 free spots each day for 10 days of holiday camp for kids who qualify for free school meals. The program combines outdoor garden education, cookery classes, and a supper.
In addition, a community garden social for up to 100 families and family drop-in sessions for up to 30 parents have been planned.
Located on the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Lower Clapton, Hackney School of Food is a non-profit educational center that offers “seed-to-spoon” instruction on wholesome and reasonably priced food.
It works with neighborhood organizations and schools to teach healthy cooking and food gardening.
In order to help young people better understand natural food systems, a former school caretaker’s home in Mandeville has been transformed into a “teaching kitchen” that hosts year-round community dinners and courses on biodiversity and soil health.
Additionally, a section of tarmac has been excavated and transformed into a colorful garden.
The project addresses the rising issues of childhood obesity and food poverty in east London, especially in underprivileged areas.
How does Hackney ensure activities are inclusive for children with SEND?
Hackney has a clear, co-produced SEND Strategy (2022–2025) that prioritizes providing an excellent, inclusive, and equitable experience for all children and young people with SEND. This includes accessing the right support at the right time and being able to attend local inclusive schools engaged with their communities.
Schools and activity providers ensure SEND children can participate fully by providing necessary adaptations, specialist equipment, and additional support.
For example, some schools create quieter lunch areas, provide small group or one-to-one sessions, and employ specialist staff to support participation in curricular and extra-curricular activities.