UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 16 JANUARY 2015
A report out this week highlights how a summer free meals and activities programme for people on low incomes in the West Midlands, is easing financial strain and reducing stress levels – a model which could soon be rolled across the UK.
Holiday Kitchen, an initiative which was set up by Ashrammoseley housing association, part of the Accord Group, offers free and affordable meals and activities that improve children’s well-being and educational opportunities.
The report published jointly by the Accord Group and Birmingham City University, is based on direct feedback from families who attended the programme, with over 34 per cent saying they had to rely on using food banks in the last 12 months.
Holiday Kitchen aims to improve social inclusion, family nutrition and well-being, ultimately helping to reduce the financial and emotional strain on families during the school holidays which make up 25 per cent of the year.
The summer 2014 programme delivered 2,300 family activity days coupled with breakfasts and lunches across 11 areas in low income neighbourhoods in Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull. This provided eight days of holiday opportunities for almost 300 participants.
When asked, 75 per cent of families said Holiday Kitchen had eased their financial situation during the holidays and reduced stress by 32 per cent.
In addition, 50 per cent felt that by attending the programme they were able to feed their family more healthy meals at homes, with 15 per cent saying it had also improved nutritional knowledge.
Dr Jane O’Connor, Senior Researcher in Education at Birmingham City University, led the evaluation of Holiday Kitchen and said: “Our assessment of the experiences of the children and adults who participated in Holiday Kitchen indicate that the scheme is highly effective in supporting families in need during the summer holidays.
“In particular we found evidence that children who attended Holiday Kitchen benefitted from both the regular nutritious food provided and the range of activities which were educational as well as being great fun.”
A key finding from the report was the need for greater social interaction and support during school holiday periods, with 94 per cent of families reporting they had done more activities out of the home than normal during holiday periods as a result of Holiday Kitchen, and 75 per cent of families saying they benefited from more positive social contact with people outside their family. Overall, 95 per cent of families said they would recommend Holiday Kitchen.
Dr Caroline Wolhuter, Head of Social Inclusion for Ashrammoseley, said: “At present there is a clear policy gap in relation to providing additional support to low-income and vulnerable families during the 25 per cent of the year that make up holiday periods, when free school meals are not available and the opportunities to access learning, play and additional support retreat.
More details on this initiative can be found at the "Values in action, an opportunity to share best practice" conference on Wednesday 21 January at Birmingham City University.