Innovative charity FoodCycle supports some of the most vulnerable groups in society across the country by providing nourishing meals using surplus food.
In May 2024, with support from the Fishmongers’ Company, it launched a new pilot project providing School Community Meals at the ARK Globe Academy in Southwark. It provides a free weekly healthy and nutritious meal to school children and their families.
The children attending are of all ages, from reception to year six and many are coming with their siblings as well as their parents. School staff, including teachers and even security staff have also joined. FoodCycle commented “A key outcome for this Project was to play a role in rebuilding community spirit in the school, so to have staff coming along is great to see.”
According to the Food Foundation’s report, the Broken Plate 2023, the most deprived fifth percentile of the UK population would need to spend 50% of their disposable income to meet the cost of the Government healthy diet. Nutritious calories are twice the price of unhealthy foods so lower income families eat less fruit, vegetable and fibre. Nutritious food for children and young people is crucial as it affects their physical and cognitive development and, consequently, their prospects in later life. The height of five-year-olds has been falling in the UK since 2013.
FoodCycle already have plans to launch the initiative at another school and subject to funding hope to roll out the initiative to a total of 15 schools by 2027.
To find out more about FoodCycle and to learn about volunteering opportunities, click here
© The Fishmongers’ Company 2024
