School launches its own foodbank
A lifeline Ayr school has launched its own food and clothes bank to make sure children have enough to wear and don’t go hungry. Parents can order from a free ‘shopping list’at Newton Primary and staff organise the supply of the essentials that includes nappies and shampoo. A room in the primary is full of shelves of food and there are containers of different sized clothes, neatly folded along with bedding.
Headteacher Fiona McAvoy (MBE) set up the food bank at the start of the pandemic – and it is here to stay after becoming busier and busier.
Ms McAvoy said:“Our families know any support they require they will get it.”
She explained how initially“families would come in with their heads down.”
She said:“They are embarrassed. We are not judging them. We just ask: What would you like? Potatoes, carrots?”
When they first started handing out produce staff discovered families didn’t have saucepans to cook with – so now they source utensils too. The school also provides light bulbs and energy top-ups so they aren’t left in the dark.
Wallacetown is one of the poorest areas in Scotland with half the population ranked in the five percent most deprived datazones in the nation.
Ms McAvoy said:“We are in the position we are in and we must be relentless to get it to a better place.”
Classroom assistant Anne Shankland organises clothes and pupils are happy to skip up to her and say what they need.
She said:
“They just
come. I gave out a cardigan and shoes today. We give out a lot of towels.”
The whole operation would be impossible without a huge number of donations from generous organisations, firms and people in South Ayrshire.
The turnover is huge - with all items going to homes in need – so continuing support is vital.
Deputy headteacher Daniella Miller said:“At the end of the day this is all for our children.
“We want them to feel safe and confident.
“Our children will do better if our families and communities are doing better. Our children are awesome and so happy. They love being at school.”
A snack for pupils in the afternoon and gifts for birthdays are also part of what Newton Primary offers.
Every Friday 100 ready meals such as macaroni are freshly prepared by volunteer Liz Fulton and distributed to families.
The donations of food and other items go out a number of times a week – with more than 60 orders handed out per day recently.
Ms McAvoy said people don’t abuse the scheme and only take what they need. Parents have also given back by donating items.
The school has branched out to help other people in the community as well.
Ms McAvoy said:“They have absolutely nothing.
“They have ended up that is their life – and they have so little.
“They just want a lamp or a mirror to make their house look like a home.
“Some people turn up and they only have the clothes they are in.”
Helping parents grow in confidence with courses such as Barista training and first aid are also part of the primary’s programme.
Ms McAvoy said:“It is magic – getting people support when they need it.
“It is about getting the trust of the community and making them understand they have a voice.”
The school boss was awarded an MBE for her services to education - as she strives to reduce poverty and disadvantage.