Bedfordshire children's centre comes to rescue to feed families during Cost of Living crisis

A Bedfordshire children's centre has helped to feed families in need during the Cost of Living crisis.

Shefford and Stotfold Children's Centre Tea Club started in January, and has been providing free, hot dinners to families in the area, heping 13 adults and 25 children during the first two months of the year. Six families have been able to access extra support through the Children’s Centre Crisis Fund, which helps people cover household bills and payments but with emergency support available.

One parent said: “I have been accessing food banks to feed my children, I've been fortunate to have help with my electric and gas bills through the crisis fund. Times are difficult at the minute. The staff don't judge, they welcome me and the children every week with a hot meal and extra fresh food to take home.”

Another parent said: “The children's centre is my family [and] like a second home to me. It means we have a warm space to be in to have a hot cooked meal. I feel less isolated being at home as a single parent and the children enjoy new foods.”

Taking place at Shefford Children’s Centre, the club is supported by donations. The children’s centre has partnered with a number of local organisations including the Need Project and Seasons Fruit and Veg to increase their access to fresh and healthy produce. The centre founded the club as a response to the increase in the cost-of-living and identified a gap in services after school where families needed a safe place to be supported and shown how to offer meals on a budget. As well as providing free meals, the Tea Club is an opportunity for children to try new foods and ensure they are getting a nutritious diet.

Families can access Tea Club by contacting Shefford Children’s Centre directly on 0300 300 8112. Schools and the Council’s 0-19 Team also refer families to the Children’s Centre if they are in need of additional support. Full details of all the children’s centres and the sessions they run are available on the council’s Family Information Directory.