Campaign to help feed Leeds children during school holidays

Charity bosses in Leeds have launched a campaign to make sure 30,000 children across the city do not go hungry during the school holidays.
Holiday Hunger launch: From left:  Pip Goff, LCF grants and programme firector, Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council chief executive and Sally-Anne Greenfield, LCF CEO.Holiday Hunger launch: From left:  Pip Goff, LCF grants and programme firector, Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council chief executive and Sally-Anne Greenfield, LCF CEO.
Holiday Hunger launch: From left: Pip Goff, LCF grants and programme firector, Tom Riordan, Leeds City Council chief executive and Sally-Anne Greenfield, LCF CEO.

Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), in partnership with Leeds City Council, has begun a Holiday Hunger campaign to help support those who rely on free school meals in the city.

The issue of holiday hunger is said to be an “emerging priority” in Leeds, where families struggling to fund the cost of food is affecting an estimated 30,000 children.

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The campaign will give out grants to projects which run holiday activities giving vulnerable children access to food, fun, learning and support.

Leeds City Council has pledged £75,000 to the campaign but LCF bosses are now appealing to the Leeds business community for further financial backing.

Companies are also encouraged to take part in the #LeedsFoodFuddle – a communal sharing of food with all proceeds going to the campaign.

Kate Hainsworth, deputy CEO of LCF, said: “The Holiday Hunger campaign has been launched with a significant injection from Leeds City Council, but for us to really have an impact on the ground, we need to attract and raise more funds to ensure the resultant grant making scheme is reaching the families that need help the most.

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“We are approaching key corporate donors to be part of this high profile campaign and I know this is a busy time for individuals, families and business, but we do hope that people can find the time to take part in the #LeedsFoodFuddle or raise money for Holiday Hunger through already planned Christmas activities.”

Coun Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities said: “No family should have to worry about being able to feed their children during the school holidays so we are very pleased to be working with the Leeds Community Foundation to start the Holiday Hunger fund.”

Tom Riordan, chief executive at Leeds City Council, added: “We want to ensure that we can help families next year that’s why we have allocated a substantial sum to kick start the fund. We now need businesses to get on board and do what they can to help young people in every part of the city to be able to fulfil their potential.”