Families struggling to feed themselves during the cost-of-living crisis are being given free hot meals to help with their hunger.

Shefford and Stotfold Children's Centre's Tea Club started in January and has been providing free hot dinners to families in the area.

Some families have also been able to access extra support through the Children’s Centre Crisis Fund – primarily helping families 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.” 

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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.” 

The children's centre founded the club, which is supported by donations, in response to the increase in the cost-of-living, identifying a gap in services after school where families needed a safe place to be supported and shown how to offer meals on a budget.

Call the children’s centre on 0300 300 8112 to access Tea Club.