How councils in Surrey and Hampshire are helping to feed vulnerable children this half term

Several borough councils in Surrey have stepped in during half term to feed struggling families - while Hampshire County Council is handing out funding to charities and food banks this week.

It comes after last week's vote by MPs against extending free school meals into the half term holiday.

Hampshire Council announced emergency funding yesterday - and now says it is working with partners to distribute £150,000 immediately to agencies helping support families this half term.

Councillor Andrew Joy, Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Communities, Partnerships and External Affairs said:

"We are very grateful for the support of the voluntary sector in helping us to reach the families in most need. In particular, our thanks go to Community First who will distribute this funding via the established local networks. This will ensure that the money is targeted and allocated swiftly to existing food assistance projects and organisations across Hampshire."

Tim Houghton of Community First said: "There has been a huge wave of collective support across Hampshire this half-term, and food banks, charities and organisations are pleased to be playing a crucial role in helping families and children impacted by the many effects of Covid-19."

Vulnerable families in need of help with food at this time can visit the Hampshire County Council webpages at www.hants.gov.uk to find out their closest source of support.

Meanwhile local councils in parts of Surrey and Hampshire are also offering direct assistance, through partnerships with charities providing meals, as well as food banks.

Find out where to go for food support this half term:

Surrey Heath:

The Council is providing support to the High Cross Café at High Cross Church in Camberley which is providing hot lunches every day for children. There is no need to book.

It also recently provided financial assistance to Camberley Beasom and Woking food banks to support families and individuals in need with essential supplies including food, nappies, sanitary products, toiletries and cleaning products.

Guildford:

The Council has partnered with Foodwise, a charity delivering food provision, training and education to local communities.

Stoke Community Support is providing cooked meals to families linked to Christ's College, Weyfield Primary, Guildford Nursery School and Children's Centre.

The North Guildford Foodbank and the Salvation Army Foodbank are continuing to provide food parcels to local people in need.

The Bench Bar at the Surrey Sports Park are offering free meals this week from 12-2pm for children who would normally receive free school meals.

The Pho restaurant chain and Love Brownies Guildford have pledged to donate packed lunches to children in need.

Mandira's Kitchen has donated meals that residents can collect if needed from the Park Barn Centre.

If you would like to donate, please visit www.foodwisetlc.care

For support with food parcels call the community helpline on Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 5pm (4.30pm Friday) on 01483 444400.

You can also contact Guildford Borough Council's Community Wellbeing Team for support on 01483 444150.

Woking:

Local foodbanks have received financial assistance from Woking Borough Council through the government's Emergency Assistance Grant. Throughout the school holidays, frozen healthy meals will be delivered by the charity, Foodwise, and food parcels packaged and distributed to those most in need from foodbanks.

Families eligible for support will be referred to the scheme through partner agencies. If you are a vulnerable family and wish to receive a referral, please call 01483 755855.

For further support and advice please contact Citizen’s Advice Woking by email www.wokingcab.org or call 0800 144 8848.

Hart:

Hart District Council's website says it is working very closely with Hart Foodbank. It also has its own Hart Coronavirus Food Hub, offering food parcels to those who need help.

Practical help and advice is available through the Hampshire Coronavirus and Support Line on 0333 370 4000 and residents can also apply to our hardship fund via hardship@hart.gov.uk for financial assistance for those in a crisis or an emergency situation.

Waverley

The Borough Council says it has allocated just over £56,000 to local organisations.

A spokesperson said:

“We know that Covid-19 has had a financial impact on many individuals and families, whether that be struggling with food or other essentials. We have allocated just over £56,000 to local organisations working in the heart of the community and are liaising closely with and signposting people to other groups that can assist. To find out what support is available and how to apply, Waverley residents can go to our Community Organisations page at www.waverley.gov.uk or phone our helpline on 01483 523204.”

Rushmoor

Several businesses and local organisations are offering food support to families in Aldershot and Farnborough during the school half-term holidays.

There is a full list on Rushmoor Borough Council's website: rushmoor.gov.uk/article/12202/Coronavirus-food-support