Food Hampers To Support Bay Families During Summer Holidays

Families across the Bay area will receive food hampers this summer thanks to a joint community initiative involving local schools, councils and churches.

The Bay CE Primary and Secondary sites have worked alongside Lake Parish Council, Sandown Town Council and local churches to fund the hampers for families in need during the school holidays.

Secondary Headteacher Emma Bowden thanked everyone involved in the project.

She said:

"Thanks to all involved in ensuring local families get timely support during the summer break."

Primary Head of School Nina Lawrence said staff had worked with local shops to ensure the hampers offered a wide variety of food.

"We've enjoyed working with local shops to ensure the hampers are full of variety to support our families throughout the summer break," she said.

The scheme complements other initiatives run by the school, including its Breakfast Club and ongoing support for the Bay Foodbank at Lake Methodist Church.

Rev Williams said churches across the Bay had joined forces to support the project:

"Church leaders, from across the Bay, have combined to contribute to this much needed initiative."

Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot said the initiative comes at a time when many families continue to face cost-of-living pressures.

"We are very mindful of cost of living pressures and, along with subsidised activities for families, we hope this initiative helps those that need help when they need it," he said.

Lake Parish Council Chair Paul Brading said partnership working allowed organisations to make the greatest impact.

"Working together for the benefit of the local youth and community makes our limited resources stretch further and reach a greater number of families at this challenging time," he said.

The local councils say they hope to support similar projects later this year and will consider future funding for the initiative.