Luton schools make it their mission to feed the community

Chantry Primary Academy, Southfield Primary School and Whitefield Primary Academy, which are all part of The Pioneer Learning Trust, have taken their mission to improve the lives of their disadvantaged pupils beyond the classroom to make sure that no child goes hungry.

The CEO of the Trust, Cori Bateman, has served the local community as Headteacher of Chantry Primary Academy for 16 years.

She said: "Having worked in Lewsey Farm for over 16 years I have seen families face financial struggles and even homelessness many times, but right now the level of need is higher than I ever thought possible.

"We know our pupils need to be fed to help them to learn but a school meal on its own is just not enough.

"I know parents who go without food themselves to feed their children or who live without heating to ensure they have enough power to cook a hot meal for their children.

"Foodbanks are overwhelmed and can only do so much, so our local, targeted solution will enable us to ensure those most in need are supported.

"We are grateful to our donors and sponsors for their support in setting this up."

The schools' dedicated pastoral teams have been delivering food parcels throughout the coronavirus pandemic but the schools have now each established a permanent, in-house ‘foodbank’ provision within each school, offering those most in need food along with essentials such as nappies and personal hygiene products.

School staff have even taken time out of their weekends and holidays to run food distribution events.

Securing sponsorship and support from local businesses and forging partnerships with stores and supermarkets, schools within the Trust have established food banks which can support families locally and immediately.

Heading up the project at Chantry Primary Academy is Jamie Kelly, deputy headteacher. He said: "Sarah Owen MP recently visited us to deliver a cereal donation from Discover Islam Luton.

"After hearing that we were short of toiletries she later returned to school with a huge array of these essential items, such enormous generosity. We have been overwhelmed by the support of our local partners to make this happen.

"Enormous thanks go to Lewsey Co-op, DAMM Solutions Group, Luton Foodbank, Discover Islam and Go Dharmic along with the staff and parents from our school community.

"We would always encourage families in need to get in touch with us to access support."

Sarah Pollard, Headteacher of Southfield Primary School, Lewsey Farm and Jan Christie, Headteacher of Whitefield Primary Academy in Marsh Farm would urge families to get in touch if they are in need.

If you would like to get involved by making a donation, then please email Cori Bateman at [email protected].