To help ease this problem with local families, Cramlington Town Council has given £500 to the Hope Centre who provide packed lunches for youngsters who qualify for free school meals.

The packed lunch includes a sandwich, fruit, water, crisps and a biscuit or piece of cake.

Joyce Docherty from the centre expressed her delight with the funding which will enable her and her fellow volunteers to provide the service throughout the summer holiday. Joyce said  “We have been encouraged by the response so far and ask people to spread the word about this scheme throughout all of Cramlington.”

Packed lunches are available to those who receive free school meals and they are available each day from 12:00 at the Hope Centre on Forum Way.

A  food bank is also run from the centre and there are donation points for this in Sainsbury’s, Asda and Northburn Community Centre.

The needs of the food bank fluctuate but at the moment they would particularly welcome tinned meals, tinned meats, tinned vegetables, coffee and small bags of sugar. At present they have a plentiful supply of dried pasta, soup and beans.

Pictured: Glenys Buxton, Anna Knox and Joyce Docherty with the packed lunches at the Hope Centre.