The New Saints FC’s Foundation is expected to provide over 650 free meals to children across Shropshire in the coming weeks as part of their Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
The Foundation’s free ‘HAF’ programme will see children across the community looked after for up to 8 hours a day during the Christmas break, totally free of charge. Those attending for the full 8 hours will receive two free meals alongside a variety of snacks and beverages over the course of the day.
Each day of the programme will see hundreds of children given the opportunity to try a wide range of sports, including dodgeball, mini golf, boccia, indoor hockey, and traditional games. Those less interested in sport will also be given the opportunity to take part in a number of arts and crafts activities.
At the same time, each session will also be targeted towards educating children on the importance of good nutrition and regular physical activity, providing them with an insight into what the club’s first team players eat to stay at the top of their game. All children will also be sent home with an information-packed leaflet explaining the importance of a ‘healthy plate’.
Speaking on the upcoming programme, Gill Jones, Manager at The New Saints FC Foundation, says:
“We take so much pride in working with partners to feed so many members of our community over the Christmas period.”
“This year more than ever before, people might be struggling to afford childcare over Christmas, so I’m so pleased we can take that huge weight off of the community’s shoulders.
“At the same time, we’re making it our mission to ensure no child goes hungry whilst in our care, so to be able to provide them with food and an education on the importance of healthy food is so important to us.”
Mike Harris, Chairman of The New Saints FC, said:
“Gill and the team have done such a fantastic job in ensuring we as a club continue to give back to the community we represent.
“To be able to feed this many children at a particularly difficult time of year is something we’re really proud of and we’ll continue to give back to the community in every way we can moving forward.”
