Sunderland Echo

Church serves up free meals for school kids

- Sam Johnson samuel.johnson@jpimedia.co.uk @sunderland­echo

A church is working with the community to ensure no child is left hungry as schools close under the third national lockdown.

Workers and volunteers at St George’s Church, in Fatfield, are working with the Washington Community Food Project to offer the free meals at a time when many children may struggle during the school closures.

The church has undertaken a Covid risk assessment prior to offering the takeaway service and has encouraged only local school children to take up the offer so as not to break coronaviru­s travelling rules.

The scheme started on Tuesday and the church has promised to keep it going as long as necessary while children in the area remain out of school.

Nick Barr-Hamilton, the vicar at St George’s, said: “A lot of local children are affected by these closures and have no other options. We always try to serve people in need, it’s at the heart of the gospel. It’s important everyone try to support each other in times like these.”

The church decided to offer the meals before the announceme­nt of the third national lockdown, but the latest developmen­ts have not deterred their plans.

Nick added :“We have checked guidance and providing food for people in need can still continue under lockdown. We have a Covid risk assessment in place and ask people not to gather or congregate together. Collection is outside the church.”

Last year, St George’ s Church worked to digitise 3000 burial records in order to encourage people to reconnect with their ancestors.

 ??  ?? Rev Nick Barr-Hamilton.
Rev Nick Barr-Hamilton.
 ??  ?? St George’s Church, Fatfield.
St George’s Church, Fatfield.

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