Community provides 150 hot meals for school children

The group, led by district councillor Pauline Kitching and ex-Upton councillor Margaret Stevens, provided the meals with the help of £500 gifted from Upton Rugby Club.

They will now use the rest of the money to continue to provide children with packed lunches, using the Village Hall as a base, as well as putting on afternoon snacks for who’s families may be struggling as a result of Covid.

Group treasurer, Pauline Kitching, said: “We’ve been a group for three years this month, which I initially set up for the lonely folk out there. There were a lot of people who needed company, so we started doing crafts and having discussions about thoughts and feelings.

“We’ve raised funds over the years with a helping hand from Wakefield District Housing, so we can put on activities for the people in the community, like seaside trips and Christmas events.

“Last week was successful. We did a socially distant walk-through takeaway service, where people could collect their food and leave safely.

“We don’t want anyone to go hungry, everyone’s circumstances are completely different, so we’re doing our bit to help the community."

Earlier this week, the group were able to provide a school lunch service for children using the same system.

Sandwiches and snacks were prepared in grab bags, ready for children to collect a free meal to take to school with them for the day.

Pauline said: “All the ladies in the group are very keen to give this service to the village - each of our volunteers are fantastic.

“The reality is that people are going hungry and with all the worry surrounding job losses, it’s happening close to home so the demand will be there.

“Everyone involved in a community has a responsibility, and as a citizen I feel like I have a duty of care for the health and wellbeing of our people.”

To lend a helping hand or find out more, please visit the groups Facebook page