Lambeth and Southwark’s Summer of Food and Fun

4th June 2020

We’re excited to finally share the news that we have joined forces with Lambeth and Southwark Councils to provide an extended programme of holiday food and activity this summer.

Beginning on 22 July, the ‘Lambeth and Southwark’s Summer of Food and Fun’ programme will ensure that children and young people (aged 4-19 years), their families and/or carers are able to access a regular source of free nutritious meals over the summer, whether at a local club or at home, and join an array of community activities including sports, theatre, arts and crafts and cooking.

In the event of continued lockdown, young people will be able to also access remote activities, which include food education and nutritional support, arts and crafts, literacy support, plus a wide range of physical activities.

Ruth Hutt, Director of Public Health and Integrated Disabilities Commissioning, London Borough of Lambeth, says: “We know that summer can be a challenging period for families juggling work and childcare, and that this period incurs additional expense for most. This summer will be particularly difficult for many families due to the impact of Covid-19. We are delighted to have an intensive summer programme of free activities, with nutritious meals, for children across the borough to support parents and ensure that children have a happy, memorable break.”

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Health, Southwark, said: Now more than ever we need to keep our young people entertained and educated about healthy habits. Encouraging healthy eating and providing a meal for some of our most vulnerable young people is a great way for them to stay healthy and active over the summer break and provides a lifeline to some families over the summer break.”

Speaking about the new partnership Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive, Mayor’s Fund for London, said: “Many young people in London are paying a devastating price for Covid-19 and, as a society, we have a duty to help. We are really pleased to be able to work more closely with Lambeth and Southwark to ensure holiday provision for all young people continues to be high quality, inclusive and sustainable.”

To receive the online brochure and take part in the ‘Lambeth and Southwark’s Summer of Food and Fun’ programme, families can sign up via summeroffoodandfun.org.uk.

The dual-borough programme will be delivered by our network of local community organisations (‘hubs’), including schools, adventure playgrounds and youth clubs, that offer free meals and activities during school holidays through our Kitchen Social programme.

The initiative has supported over 122 holiday hubs across London, including 16 in Lambeth and seven in Southwark. We will work with Lambeth Council and Southwark Council to engage existing hubs and recruit new hubs across both boroughs. The intention is to have approximately 75 programmes for children of different ages and with different interests.