School's food parcels help more than 900 families

MORE than 900 families have been helped with vital food supplies during lockdown thanks to a Lymington school.

The Priestlands pupil parcel delivery service began in March and is continuing as the school welcomed back some of its Year 10 students, along with key workers’ children and vulnerable pupils.

The food parcels have been delivered weekly in school minibuses by a team of staff and governors. A total of 491 essential food parcels reached students eligible for free school meals while a further 441 vulnerable families were helped after the operation was expanded.

Each of the food boxes is filled with essential items including dry, non-perishable goods like pasta, tinned food, long-life milk, squash, rice and essential toiletries.

Over £7,000 has been spent on food for the scheme so far with an additional £2,500 earmarked for the rest of the summer term.

Headteacher Peter Main said: “The generosity shown by everyone involved in this scheme is incredible. The community spirit, over the last three months, really embodies the Priestlands family ethos that underpins our values.

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this outreach programme whether donating food, money, packing up the food parcels or helping with the deliveries – together we have made a difference to the community during a challenging time.”

Any monies that are left at the end of the summer term will be used to send a much larger summer pack to the families. Anyone who would like to make a financial donation to support the initiative can contact the school on 01590 677033