Brixton Library is running a school holiday activity programme supported by our Cabinet Member for Equalities and Culture Councillor Sonia Winifred. It is targeted at families living in food poverty who often experience “holiday hunger” because of lack of access to free school meals during holiday periods.
Local support
The library offers fun family activities twice a week in school holidays, which are followed by a hot nutritious meal. The scheme began during the 2018 summer holidays and we were grateful for the generous support of local Brixton Marks and Spencer and Tesco in providing the extra food items. We have also approached various charities and local supermarkets seeking extra food items such as bread, fruit and cheese to supplement the hot meal. So far we have served 603 meals to vulnerable families.
Tables and chairs
Once funding had been organised we were left with the problem of needing tables and chairs to sit down or a meal. Luckily funding was available to help vulnerable children from the Cash for Kids Fund. We were over the moon to be successful. It has made all the difference, as we were able to buy tables and chairs that could be easily folded away when the activities were going on and brought out for the meal.
Brixton Library activities
The project at Brixton Library has been a tremendous success with activities including author visits, African jewellery making, plant a seed, Remembering Walter Tull and many more. The activities take place in a large room with the space for children to run around and make noise, play table tennis/football and make slime and paper aeroplanes – the type of activity that is often difficult for our families, as many are living in hostel rooms with little suitable space for young children.
For more information
Find out what’s going on at Brixton Library this Easter
