Eligible families across Gateshead will receive free meal kits and cooking equipment over the summer holidays to promote cooking healthy and nutritious meals at home.
Each year, the council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Brighten the Day, uses government funding to provide food and fun things to do for children who usually get a free school meal.
Following feedback on the programme from parents and carers in Gateshead, new Family Food and Fun sessions have been developed with the council's Family Learning team, which aim to bring families together to learn how to cook while having fun. They also mean families can learn essential skills in numeracy and budgeting, meaning the impact of the sessions lasts well beyond the school break.
At the sessions, each family will receive two free recipe boxes from Feeding Families filled with fresh ingredients, as well as free cooking equipment worth £30 that has been donated by IKEA. Together, with the skills learnt and recipes provided, they'll be able to cook further meals at home as a family.
At the first session held earlier this week at St Chad's Community Project, families enjoyed making mini quiches, tuna and sweetcorn pasta and 'quick' flatbreads with recipes they can keep.
Councillor Fiona Pearce, cabinet member for Children and Young People at Gateshead Council, said: "We're incredibly proud to have brought partners together to make healthy and nutritious meals easier to access for Gateshead families.The new Food and Fun sessions were designed using feedback from parents and carers, who asked for more to do together as a family for this year's Brighten the Day programme.
"These new activities mean families can learn new skills that will make their mealtimes more enjoyable beyond the summer, and most importantly, to have fun as a family; making memories and new friends in our communities."
Wayne Dobson, Chief Executive of Feeding Families, said: "School holidays can place extra pressure on families who are already trying to make every penny count. That's why we're proud to be working alongside Gateshead Council, IKEA and local partners to make sure families have not only fresh ingredients, but the confidence, equipment and skills to cook together at home. Food is often the starting point for something much bigger. Sharing a meal, learning new recipes and spending time together can build confidence, strengthen family relationships and create positive memories that last beyond the summer holidays. We're delighted to be part of a partnership that's helping families across Gateshead access practical support with dignity and care."
Sessions available to book
There's still time to register your child for Brighten the Day activities over the summer holidays. If you child is eligible, don't miss out on free food and fun across the borough.
Whether your child loves being active, getting creative, exploring the outdoors or trying something new, Brighten the Day is packed with opportunities to learn, play and make new friends.
Find out more about all the clubs running across the summer holiday, or to check eligibility today.
