ActionAid hosts Big School Dinner

The charity said: "We're asking people everywhere to give up their ready made sandwiches and fast food lunches and hold a traditional school dinner with friends or family instead, then donate the money they usually spend on lunch to ActionAid. We want schools across the country to join in too by making Child Poverty Day their biggest and best school dinner ever." A free fundraising pack will be sent to those who get involved and the charity has ideas such as a themed lunch or a fancy dress competition to help people get started. Andy John, Head of Events at ActionAid said: "Every five seconds a child somewhere will die of hunger, but together we can do something about it. By being part of ActionAid's Big School Dinner on 17 October, you can help some of the world's poorest children get access to the food and education they deserve." A little can go along way. • £5 is enough to provide nutritious porridge for an orphan in Malawi every day for a year – in some areas, this is the only guaranteed meal the children receive. • £10 could ensure that a child in Africa can get the rice, beans and maize they need for a whole week, helping them to grow up strong and healthy. ActionAid's Big School Dinner takes place on the last day of National Schools Meals Week and you can receive a free fundraising pack by logging onto www.childpovertyday.org or by calling 01460 23 8047.