Tower and Town, April 2023

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Update on Love Marlborough Kids Meals

Since the last update on Kids Meals back in December 2021, our charity has continued to support Marlborough area families who find themselves struggling .

We are part of the charity, Love Marlborough and are an active part of Marlborough Area Poverty Action Group. We cover Marlborough and villages within an 8 mile radius.

As anticipated, the changes to universal credit, fuel prices and cost of living increases have impacted many members of our local community. Kids Meals is now supporting 47 families who have children under the age of 18 years. Most families self-refer, others come through schools, children’s centres or social services. Families tend to remain with us long term at present but occasionally a parent will let us know that their circumstances have changed for the better and they no longer need our support.

We cook on Friday afternoons, at Sue Brady Catering, generously provided free of charge by Kymee Cleasby. We have a rota of cooks and kitchen assistants, cooking and packaging close to 60 meals each week (some larger families receive double portions). We always cook a roast chicken with roast potatoes and mixed vegetables. We also offer all our families a slow cooker with healthy, budget-friendly recipe suggestions.

Currently, we have a rota of delivery volunteers, covering six delivery routes each week. In addition, there are coordinators for cooking, liaising with families, onboarding volunteers, IT support and overall management of the project. We continue to be very helpfully supported by St Mary’s Church Treasurers.

We have received grants and funds from the Wiltshire Community Fund, Marlborough Town Council, The Rotary Club, local businesses and supermarkets, commercial companies linked to some of our volunteers, volunteers running fundraising events, a local charitable trust and from individuals. Kids Meals is also one of the Mayor’s charities this year. However, we need to continually fundraise to remain sustainable.

How you might help:

Every donation is received with thanks. Every penny will be used to feed families who are struggling. Perhaps you can make a donation or help us fund-raise ? We often need extra help in the kitchen and for deliveries on Friday afternoons, between 2.30-5pm.

You can find out more if you follow the link at: www.lovemarlboroughkidsmeals.org/home

or contact: deliveries@lovemarlboroughkidsmeals.org