Church shows there is such a thing as a free lunch

An Angus church is serving up free lunches to school children to help parents and carers cope with the increased financial burden of school holidays.

The East and Old Parish Church in Forfar is offering freshly-prepared two course lunches in its town centre building, starting from today.

The project has been introduced after reports of parents struggling to feed their children when the school dining halls close during holiday time.

The Rev Barbara Ann Sweetin explained: “During the summer holidays we heard more and more about children going hungry because there were no breakfast clubs or free school lunches.

“It was too late to organise anything for the end of summer so we decided the two-week tattie holiday would be an ideal time to try it out.

“I had no problem in getting people to volunteer.

“There is so much talk of children going hungry during school holidays and we want to stop that happening.”

The free lunch club is open to all school children from the Forfar and surrounding area, as well as their younger siblings.

A selection of baby food has been donated to help parents feed their younger children during the two weeks.

Two volunteers will prepare food for all dietary requirements each day in the church, while helpers will take note of any allergies.

The Rev Sweetin continued: “We are geared up for gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian.

“Some of the food will be homemade – soup, mince and tatties, wraps with a choice of fillings and failing everything else we have Heinz tomato soup, baked beans and lots of macaroni and cheese.

“There will be fruit, ice cream and lots of toppings.”

Volunteers from the church and the local community will be on hand to welcome families who attend during the week, with those who are cooking the food supplying the ingredients free of charge.

The Asda Forfar store has also stepped in to support the event with donations of cups, napkins, tinned goods and juice.

The lunch club opens at 12pm from Monday to Friday over the next two weeks.

Any family from the local community will be made most welcome at the church on East High Street.

The Rev Barbara Ann Sweetin at the children’s lunch club.