A SCHEME aimed at getting children in Charford and Sidemoor active whilst offering them a healthy meal and the chance to meet new friends starts up again for the school summer holidays.
And on Wednesday, July 24, councillors will decide whether to trial expanding Active Kitchen to other areas across the district.
The programme provided more than 400 healthy holiday meals in Charford and Sidemoor after it was commissioned by Bromsgrove District Council last year.
It is available for nine to 14-year-olds who are eligible for free school meals to ensure they keep active and enjoy food together during the school holidays.
The original scheme was funded by county councillors Chris Bloore and Luke Mallett and was delivered by the YMCA at Newsong Community Church and St Andrews Church.
All the meals were provided completely free of charge by Life Fork and Spoon, a local supplier of fully cooked dishes.
And, if agreed, the sessions would be rolled out across the district for the October half-term, at a cost of £34,000.
Coun Shirley Webb, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for community services, said she wanted to thank everyone who had supported the scheme so far, including Coun Bloore and Coun Mallett, Life Fork and Spoon who footed the food bill and those who put on activities.
“It’s a great community effort.
“We’re now looking into whether the council could build on that and get Active Kitchen programme into more areas.”
Bromsgrove District Council leader Coun Karen May added: “Active Kitchen doesn’t only provide fun, active opportunities for young people in the holidays.
“It also includes a good meal, and many parents will know that even in this day and age, knowing that the children are eating well when they’re out is a boost, and it all helps make ends meet.
“We’ll consider it in detail on Wednesday.”
Active Kitchen restarts on Tuesday and sessions so far have provided games, crafts and activities co-ordinated by Bromsgrove Rugby Club, West Mercia Police, and Jump Rope UK.
Volunteers to help prepare or serve at Active Kitchen are always needed.
Anyone who can help should email the council’s sports development team at [email protected] or call 01527 64252.
