Operation Moonshot is an initiative born out of ‘compassion, understanding, and the desire’ to ensure that every child in our community has access to a nutritious meal during their school day.
Vicki Brewer-Martin, deputy headteacher at Swaythling Primary School, said: “We know from first-hand experience that there are children in our schools who are not getting enough to eat, and parents who are missing meals to feed their children. Currently, the qualifying threshold for a free school meal is a family income of only £7,400. This hasn’t changed in over four years. Just think of how the costs of food and fuel have increased over that time.
“In September, London primary schools rolled out a universal free school meal for all children, regardless of income. Poverty exists outside of London; it is all too real and evident here in Southampton. Be on the right side of history, help us make a difference.
“This is a huge, ongoing investment for a small school on a tight budget, but we have managed it for the last nine months. We want to keep it going indefinitely, and to roll out the project to other schools in the city.”
On November 23rd Swaythling Primary School is hosting a Moonlight Gala in aid of Operation Moonshot. The funds raised during this gala will be channelled directly into the initiative, ensuring that it thrives and reaches as many families as possible.