Greenwich council hands out free school meals over half-term

Children and young people in Greenwich will be given free healthy lunches this half term as part of the council’s Together for Winter Campaign.

Families whose children receive free school meals vouchers will also get a food and utilities payment.

From February 15, children will be able to collect their lunches from six locations across the borough.

Food will be served from 12pm to 1pm at Woolwich Library, Plumstead Centre, Thamesmere Leisure Centre, Greenwich Centre and Eltham Centre, and from 12:30 to 1:30 at Sutcliffe Park.

The service offers “grab and go” style meals to be eaten at home, in order to follow social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Matt Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Royal Greenwich is committed to supporting our children and we continue to offer healthy, good quality food outside of term time.  

“Children across Royal Greenwich deserve a nutritious meal and we will do our very best to offer that to all who need it.    

“Everybody in Royal Greenwich has the same goal and are working incredibly hard to spread the word and give out hundreds of meals. I want to thank all involved with this project.”   

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, added: “Hunger and food poverty continues to be a huge issue for many families as we all continue to be impacted by this pandemic. It’s crucial that we ensure our young people and families continue to be supported.”

Pictured top: Cllr Danny Thorpe packing food bags at the Sutcliffe Park Leisure Centre.