The Salvation Army's branch in Oldham has supplied free meals over school holidays to thousands of children in the past year.

Many families in Oldham rely on free school meals during term times, however during the school holidays this leads to major challenges for certain families.

However, through charities like The Salvation Army, many children are still fed during these challenging times.

In total, the charity provided 3,587 spaces to school-aged children during 34 days of school holidays over the last 12 months.

Families from across Oldham were able to use the service with sessions offering food, activities and childcare support from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

A hot lunch and snacks were provided each day as well as arts and craft workshops, sport and free play, with families on the lowest of incomes benefiting from the vital support.

A 33-year-old single mother-of-three from Fitton Hill, who the charity named as Millie, said: “Once rent and bills are paid for I really need to budget when it comes to food and it’s a struggle to have anything left over for clothes that we may need. Days out and treats are just not possible.

“My children enjoy free school meals but then once the schools close, it’s extra money that I must find so they’re fed with lunch and snacks throughout the day. 

“My budgeting skills are really tested and this support from The Salvation Army is a God send and means for one day, I don’t need to worry.”

The Salvation Army applied and received funding from the Holiday Activities and Food fund, through Oldham Council, to cover costs at each session and provided church volunteers to run the club safely and efficiently.

Kim Rogers, community engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army in Oldham Fitton Hill said: “For families whose finances are already stretched through meeting the most basic needs, like keeping a roof over their children’s heads or food on the table, the school holidays arriving can quickly make life very costly.

“We know that during school holidays people are cutting back on heating or electric use so that they can feed their families, or dropping hours at work and ultimately wages so their children can be cared for when the schools break.

“These are choices we felt people shouldn’t have to make and so we wanted to offer a safe, secure and positive outlet for families to access and we’re proud that our holiday club gives a bit of salvation for those that are struggling, with many calling it a lifeline.”