Southwater cafe steps in to help children of lower income families during school holiday

Staff at Southwater Country Park Café say they are ‘appalled’ at the Government decision not to extend free school meals to families on lower incomes during the pandemic.

In a social media message, the cafe posted: “Whilst even though the hospitality industry is struggling we want to be able to help those that need it.”

The cafe is to provide 20 packed lunches from Monday to Friday next week “for children of anyone who is struggling at this terrible time, absolutely free.” The packed lunch will consist of a sandwich, piece of fruit, small cake or biscuit, packet of crisps and a drink.

The cafe asks any family that wants to receive a lunch to contact them via their Facebook page.

The cafe’s offer has sparked a big response from members of the public, also offering to help out and donate cash to pay for the meals.