Pop-up veg shop is fresh take on free school meals
ASOMERSET school has launched a pop-up fruit and veg shop on its campus to help struggling families during the pandemic.
The stall at Clevedon School is available to families which are normally in receipt of free school meals and may be finding it difficult to put food on the table while classes are closed due to lockdown.
Some of the food has been supplied at a discounted rate by local business EW Jenkins, a long-term supporter of the North Somerset school.
Local businesses including Tesco and Murrays Italian Deli have also stepped forward to donate items, with parents donating cash to expand the provision and pay for additional stock. Items up for grabs include broccoli, leeks, apples, oranges and melons. Other items such as pasta, biscuits, rice, crumpets and bread are also available.
Head teacher Jim Smith said: “At Clevedon School we are constantly looking to help students and families in every way possible.
“It was in this spirit that we came up with the idea of helping to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for families. We have been overwhelmed by the commun i ty response and are so thankful to everyone that is helping out.”
The launch of the shop comes at the same time as Free School Meals provider Chartwells apologised after images of “disgraceful” food parcels sent to families sparked anger.
One mother posted an image of a package she had received during the lockdown that was estimated to contain just over £5 worth of food.
Labour leader Keir Starmer led a chorus of criticism after the picture was shared, branding it a “disgrace”, and footballer Marcus Rashford voiced his shock. The company admitted it had fallen short due to the pressure of providing thousands of food parcels at short notice.
Clevedon also operates a food bank which over the pandemic has seen demand for support soar.
Chloe Wilde, head of pupil premium, said: “We’re just looking to do all we can to support families at this time and the provision of fresh fruit and veg is a key part of keeping students fit, health and ready to learn.”
Clevedon School, judged as outstanding by Ofsted, is part of the Clevedon Learning Trust and has more than 1,200 students on roll.
Mr Smith added: “I could not be prouder of the community response. It has simply been ‘Kind and Brilliant’, the motto of our academy.”