Coronavirus Kent: Medway pub, businesses and schools band together to keep children fed
13:15, 25 March 2020
updated: 13:54, 25 March 2020
Two brothers who run a pub are setting up a breakfast club for children in their neighbourhood.
Luke and Ben Chell, landlords of the Sans Pareil in Strood, are launching the service for pupils who would normally get their first meal of the day at school.
The pair, who were born and bred in the community, decided to help out their loyal customers, some of whom can't afford to feed their little ones properly.
They have been stocking up on cereals, yoghurts and juice which they will deliver in the area, where children attend Wainscott and Hilltop primary schools.
Parents will also be able to pick up food and drink.
Both former builders, the brothers took over the pub in January 2018 where they had been regulars for more than 20 years.
Luke, 42, said: "As a big part of the community, we will not stand by and see any child go hungry."
Whilst Luke and 39-year-old Ben are paying for the service out of their own pockets, they have set up a GoFundme page if anyone wants to contribute.
Luke said: "We both went to Hilltop and feel part of the place. Vouchers will be available the schools so that parents can pick up or we can deliver."
So far they have raised £1,160, on their GoFundMe page. Any cash left over from the fund will be split between the two schools.
Meanwhile, a head teacher who set up a food bank at her school and helped to provide a turkey dinner for needy families at Christmas has issued another appeal.
Steph Hammond, head of Luton Infant and Nursery School in Chatham fears that some children will go hungry while schools are shut.
In December, KentOnline reported how Steph set up a food bank to help less-fortunate children over the Christmas period.
Luton is one of the most deprived areas in Medway with more than 40% of pupils entitled to free meals because their parents are dependent upon state benefits.
She posted on social media: "Now that the school will close from Friday, I know many families will not have enough food during this period of time.
"While the children are in school they are provided with a free breakfast and free lunch. While at home they will not be provided with this.
"Therefore, I am kindly asking the people of Medway again to be generous and donate tins and packets of food, along with toiletries, to help us make up food parcels to support our needy families."
If you would like to help, call the school on 01634 843019.
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust - which runs seven schools in Medway - is working with catering company Chartwells to provide packed lunches for their students who would normally receive free school meals.
Packed lunches are available to be collected at the respected schools of each student while deliveries are being made to families who are self-isolating or are more vulnerable.
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