Summer holiday hunger programme tackling food poverty to benefit more than 23,000 children

More than 23,000 Glasgow children are set to get fed over the summer holidays when the schools close as part of a council programme.

Nursery, primary and secondary pupils are to get a hot meal and snack during the upcoming break thanks to about £1.66 million public funding.

Fifty four organisations in the city are recommended to be awarded grants to provide the meals during the school break.

A total of 23,224 children are expected to benefit.

A council report said: “The children’s holiday food programme provides for a hot meal and snack to be made available to Glasgow’s nursery, primary and secondary pupils during school holiday periods. It is intended to complement existing activities by third sector organisations and for the majority of funds to go towards the provision of food.”

The programme aims to tackle “food poverty” and “tackle barriers to adequate nutrition intake” according to the report.

The council’s city administration committee is “asked to consider and approve 54 recommended awards to the value” of about £1.665 million on Thursday according to a paper to be presented to councillors.

The summer holiday meal scheme is funded by the Scottish Government.

Food is also to be provided to pupils outside of term time in October this year and February and spring next year, which is to be funded by Glasgow City Council for about £590,000.

Thirty four organisations, which applied for funding, were not recommended by the council and will be given feedback on why.