Now in its third year, the initiative launched to “alleviate the risk of children going hungry during the holidays when the school support network is not accessible.”
Alongside its suppliers, Brakes works with local charities and community organisations to run holiday clubs – providing youngsters with nutritious food and activities in a ‘safe and stimulating environment.”
Becoming a charity in its own right is a milestone for Brakes, who said that the announcement will enable Meals & More to “build on the on-going support of Brakes, raise funds and apply for funding from other sources as well as being recognised for the work that it does.”
Programme manager, Pem Hulusi, added: “The sad news is that rather than becoming a thing of the past, child poverty is predicted to grow, with the number of children living in poverty set to rise to more than five million over the next five years. That is a million more children living in poverty.
“We believe that charities like Meals & More are becoming increasingly important. As well as providing for children’s nutritional needs, we are also providing the stimulating environment that supports their emotional needs, which are needed now more than ever.
“We are grateful for the on-going support of Brakes and its suppliers who remain an important part of the Meals & More story. We hope that we can continue to work together to put an end to holiday hunger.”