A WIRRAL primary school has been helping families in need over the festive period.

Eastway Primary School in Moreton have been giving out free fresh food hampers, family craft packs, and books from its pantry.

The school pantry has been provided under the Early Years Essential Hampers & School Food Pantries project, which is being co-ordinated by local charity Neo Community on behalf of Wirral Council. Funding for the £1.3 million project has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions under Wirral’s £6.1 million Household Support Fund 4 allocation.

Mrs Emily Morris, headteacher at Eastway Primary School, said: “It’s a privilege to spread festive cheer to local families. We are so proud of the work that we do to provide for our families during the school holidays. We are so lucky to be partnered with Neo Community who support us in accessing high quality fresh food for our families and ensuring that our school pantry is well stocked throughout the year.

“The support from the DfE, through Essential, enables us to fund fun activities through the school holidays and nutritious meals for our families when school is closed. We are incredibly grateful.”

The Department for Education Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme launched in 2021 saw the government commit to funding over £200 million each year for three years. This money allows schools and local groups to provide face to face contact during the Summer, Easter and Christmas holidays and offer healthy, nutritious meals, enriching activities and opportunities for children, young people and families learn about healthy lifestyles.  

Ema Wilkes, CEO and founder of NEO Community, said: "It is so important that every family has fresh food over the winter period, not just Christmas but when schools are closed. That is why Holiday Activity and Food projects are so important, there are over 15,000 places available for children and young people across Wirral."

Help is available to Wirral residents who are struggling and need help with food and energy bills, as well as other essentials, through the Household Support Fund. More information is available on the Wirral Council website.