Since the start of the Christmas holidays, MK City Council has received free benefit-related school meals and provided free activity space for children.
Over 7,000 locations are available across the city from Monday, December 19th through Thursday, December 22nd. This means that children from low-income families can enjoy a variety of activities and enjoy free meals.
From bowling to music lessons, ninja clubs to Christmas fairs, dozens of providers helped run programs.
The City Council has developed and funded sessions to help struggling families who may find it difficult to pay for child care and food when schools are closed.
Councilor Zoe Nolan, Labor Progress Alliance Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:
“There was a great understanding among the local families and the smiles on the children’s faces said it all. We would like to thank you for helping us provide the difference for family life here at MK.”
Rep. Jane Carr, a cabinet member of the Liberal Democratic Progressive Alliance to Address Social Inequality, added: Thousands of people rely on free school meals to keep costs down. That is why the Progressive Alliance has launched these activity sessions in 2020 to ensure that their support continues during the holidays.
“We have now run thousands of activity sessions and served healthy meals, but we don’t stop there. We are committed to supporting families through the cost-of-living crisis by ensuring adequate support is provided to those with disabilities.”