REAch2 Academy Trust which runs schools in Essex has teamed with Amica in a new approach to combat hunger among the poorest and most disadvantaged families. Children arriving at school hungry because there is no food at home is a growing problem for teachers.
The academy trust and Amica are providing Community Fridges which will be stocked with food for families to access. The Community Fridges will be regularly replenished with food from REAch2’s catering department. The fridges will be discreetly placed to avoid any stigma and will allow the schools to reduce unnecessary waste as well as providing good quality food to the children who urgently need it.
Initially Unity Primary Academy in Colchester and Sir Martin Frobisher Primary Academy in Clacton will benefit from the scheme. The Community Fridges are being piloted in five of REAch2’s academies in the east of England. If the pilot is successful, the programme will be rolled out across the rest of REAch2’s family of schools.
Sir Steve Lancashire CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust, said: “We often hear about children going to school hungry because their families simply cannot afford to provide them with food as they would want to. To think this is happening in 2019 is heart-breaking. Every week school kitchens must discard food due to best before dates, limited use by dates or simply because it is the weekend. This is food that, if it were within a family home, would be perfectly fine to use for family meals. We’re excited to be working with Amica to help tackle family hunger and look forward to seeing the impact of our Community Fridges within the five communities they are supporting.”
Steve Corbett, Marketing Manager at Amica said that the company was delighted to be able to help. Our refrigeration products are designed to keep food in top condition, he said. As well as feeding families and children in need of food this initiative helps to reduce waste – a cause close to her hearts as we are an environmentally responsible company.
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