Children in Salford have benefited from more than 30,000 free meals and fun activities this summer holiday.
Salford City Council provided the meals and activities as part of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
The programme aims to help families with the cost of living and ensure children can have healthy, nutritious meals, as well as exciting opportunities to take part in fun, constructive activities.
Local councillors Barbara Bentham and Jim Cammell visited the team distributing the free meals to thank them for their huge efforts this summer and to lend a helping hand.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety, said: “It is fantastic to see this whole operation in action, and I want to thank our officers for their hard work and dedication in helping to create positive experiences for the young people of our great city.
“The entire programme has been carefully planned to ensure our young people have a summer to remember. It is heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces, hear about the new friendships they have made, and watch them take part in such a wide range of activities.
“A particular highlight is the nutritious meals being provided, which are freshly cooked using locally sourced ingredients by Citywide, Salford’s school catering service. Ensuring young people have access to healthy, high-quality food is an important part of the programme, and it is wonderful to see it being so well received by families across the city.”
Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services, added: “Many families in our city are struggling with the cost of living. Parents find it extremely tough to keep their child entertained over the long summer holiday and the costs that come with it.
“Thanks to our programme, parents can simply book their children on the activities and know they will be kept safe, be fed nutritious food and take part in some fun activities.
Approximately 3,000 children took part in the HAF this summer across 55 sites in the city.
Alongside the free meals, children and young people took part in a wide range of activities including football, boxing, dance, drama, arts and crafts, basketball, hockey, youth club sessions, museum and library activities, helping them stay active, learn new skills and make friends throughout the summer holidays.
