Fighting Food Insecurity in Somers Town
How Our Partnership with Phoenix Court is Transforming Lives Through School Meal Programs
Part 1: Our Collaboration with Phoenix Court – A Partnership for Change
Over the past two years, our collaboration with Phoenix Court has grown into a powerful force for positive change in the Somers Town community. Together, we’ve been dedicated to tackling food insecurity among school children and their families, providing much-needed support to those who need it most. This partnership has not only helped to feed hungry children but also created a sense of hope and resilience within the community.
Our work with Phoenix Court began with a shared vision:
To ensure that every child in Somers Town has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
We partner with local schools, including Edith Neville, St. Mary’s, St. Augustine’s, Regents High, and Rhyl School, to identify children and families who are “just getting by” and need extra support. These families often fall through the cracks of the traditional welfare system, earning just enough to disqualify them from free school meals but still struggling to make ends meet.
Through our joint efforts, we’ve provided these families with meal packs that include both store cupboard staples and fresh produce. These meal packs are designed to ensure that children receive balanced, nutritious meals throughout the school holidays.
Rasheeda Graham, CEO
“I can’t believe that over the last two years, our partnership has enabled us to distribute a staggering 67,200 lunch packs and 26,880 meal packs to 168 children and their families. The impact of this work has been profound, offering not just food, but also stability and peace of mind to those living on the edge of poverty”
Phoenix Court’s support has been instrumental in allowing us to carry out this important work. Their generous donations have not only provided the financial resources needed to sustain our programs but have also amplified our ability to advocate for these families. Together, we’ve raised awareness about the challenges faced by low-income families in Somers Town and have begun to foster a community where everyone is committed to supporting one another.
Part 2: The Problem – Why Our School Holidays Food Campaign Is So Important
Despite the progress we’ve made, the problem of food insecurity persists, particularly during the school holidays when school children lose access to free school meals. For many families, school holidays brings a sense of dread rather than relief. Without the safety net of school-provided meals, parents are left scrambling to provide enough food for their children. This situation is especially dire for the 44 children we support who do not qualify for free school meals during holidays because their families earn slightly more than the threshold.
The reality is that school holidays can be a time of heightened stress and financial strain for these families. Parents who are already struggling to cover basic living expenses are suddenly faced with the additional burden of providing three meals a day for their children. For families “just getting by,” this can lead to difficult choices between paying bills and putting food on the table.
Our school holidays food campaign is designed to bridge this gap, ensuring that children continue to receive the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn, and thrive, even when school is out. By providing meal packs during school holidays, we alleviate the pressure on parents and help to prevent the negative outcomes associated with food insecurity, such as malnutrition, developmental delays, and emotional distress.
Beyond the immediate relief that our meal packs provide, our school holidays food campaign also plays a crucial role in supporting children’s long-term well-being. Proper nutrition is essential for cognitive development, and ensuring that children have access to healthy food during school holidays helps to set them up for success when they return to school.
Our work is not just about feeding hungry children—it’s about giving them the tools they need to build a brighter future!
Part 3: Campaigning for Change – Taking Our Efforts Further
While school holidays food campaign is a vital lifeline for many families, it’s clear that we need to do more to address the root causes of food insecurity. The fact that so many children are reliant on our support highlights the inadequacies of the current system. To create lasting change, we must take our efforts to the next level by campaigning for systemic reforms at both the local and national levels.
Expanding free school meals
One of the key steps we can take is to advocate for the expansion of free school meal programs to include school holidays. The current system, which only provides meals during the school term, fails to meet the needs of families who struggle year-round. By working together as a community, we can push for policy changes that ensure all children have access to the food they need, regardless of the time of year.
Higher income thresholds
can also campaign for higher income thresholds for free school meal eligibility. The £16,190 threshold is simply too low and excludes many families who are still in need of support. Raising this threshold would help to reduce the number of children who fall through the cracks and ensure that more families can access the assistance they need.
Community collaborations
In addition to policy advocacy, we can also take practical steps to strengthen our community’s resilience to food insecurity. This includes expanding our volunteer network, increasing our partnerships with local food producers, and developing new programs that teach families how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget. By empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need, we can help to break the cycle of poverty and create healthier, more sustainable communities.
Raising awareness
It’s important that we continue to raise awareness about the issue of food insecurity and the work that we’re doing to address it. By sharing our stories and successes, we can inspire others to join our cause and contribute to the fight against hunger. Whether through social media campaigns, community events, or direct engagement with local leaders, we must ensure that the voices of those affected by food insecurity are heard and that their needs are met.
Part 4: The Long-Term Impact of Our School Holidays Food Program
As we begin the school summer holiday, we are optimistic about the positive outcomes that our school holidays food program will have for the children and families we support. By providing consistent access to nutritious food, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of these families but also laying the groundwork for long-term success.
One of the most significant impacts of our program is its ability to alleviate the financial strain that so many families experience during the school holidays. By removing the burden of meal costs, we give parents the freedom to focus on other essential needs, such as housing, utilities, etc. This financial relief can reduce stress and improve overall family well-being, creating a more stable and supportive environment for children in Somers Town.
Our program also has a direct impact on the health and development of the children we serve. Consistent access to nutritious food is essential for physical growth, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. By ensuring that children have the food they need during the school holidays, we help to prevent the negative health outcomes associated with food insecurity, such as malnutrition, obesity, and mental health issues.
In addition to the physical benefits, our school holidays food program also plays a crucial role in promoting social and emotional development. For many children, receiving a meal from our program is a reminder that they are cared for and supported by their community. This sense of belonging and security can have a profound impact on a child’s self-esteem and overall outlook on life.
Looking to the future, we are committed to continuing and expanding our efforts to support children and families in Somers Town and Camden. With the ongoing support of Phoenix Court and other community partners, we aim to reach even more families in need and to develop new initiatives that address the underlying causes of food insecurity. Whether through policy advocacy, community education, or direct service, we will continue to fight for a world where no child has to go hungry.
Our collaboration with Phoenix Court has been instrumental in our efforts to combat food insecurity in Somers Town. Together, we have made a significant impact on the lives of countless children and their families, providing them with the support they need to thrive. As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities for further growth and change. By working together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most and create a brighter, healthier future for our community.
It only costs £11.50 to provide a child with healthy meals each week . You can continue to donate and make a REAL difference here.
#Camdenmfb #camdenmobilefoodhub #urbancommunityprojects #EndChildFoodPoverty #SchoolMealSupport #HealthyMealsForKids #FeedTheFuture #CommunityFoodPrograms #NoChildHungry #SchoolHolidayMeals #FoodSecurityForFamilies #SupportLocalSchools #NutritionForAll