Friends join forces to feed local children in half term

Annette Weekes, managing director of PDS Engineering, Tooling Solutions and Advanced Fabrication Solutions has joined forces with former Young Lancastrian of the Year Paul White, and his business partner Connor Hall, who run plant-based online grocers LiveWellUK.com, to launch the scheme which will see lunch meals provided to any child in East Lancashire who needs them next week.

Annette, also a director of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “There’s been a lot in the press this week about Marcus Rashford’s campaign to have free school meals extended to cover the holidays and unfortunately that hasn’t happened.

"Furlough ends next week and these are already incredibly challenging times, particularly for areas like East Lancashire, so me and Paul decided to do something about it."

Former Pendle Conservative councillor Paul went on to explain: “We’ve launched www.holidayhungereastlancs.com, where any parent can complete a form and book meals for the October half term, which will then be delivered on Monday.

"We’ve got a busy weekend ahead of us, but we’re used to adapting here in East Lancashire. As grocers, it was really important to us to be able to support this”.

Holiday Hunger East Lancashire are urging others business to join their campaign to be able to feed as many children as possible.

Annette added: “We’re looking for people who can help us by donating food, or money, to be able to support as many young people as possible. We’ve set up a JustGiving Page, or we can be contacted through our website, www.holidayhungereastlancs.com

The group are also appealing for volunteers to help with packing and distribution.

Connor said: “Over the weekend we’ll be mobilising a big operation to get these meals together, and then get them to families on Monday. Any help would be hugely appreciated, and again, people can contact us through our webpage."