This summer, a project in Leeds is ensuring that children don’t go hungry over the school holidays and what’s more, it’s vegan.
Old School Junk is a collaboration between The Light in Leeds and The Fuel for School project, which comes hot on the heels of the announcement that thousands of school children could be going hungry over the summer holidays. The pop-up offers families vegan food – on a “Pay As You Feel” basis – that would not only have gone to waste otherwise, but is cooked by trained chefs.
The project – possibly a world first – runs until the 2nd of September at The Light. The Old School Junk cafe is open weekdays from 12-2pm offering main meals, smoothies and even ice cream – with the option of takeaway. Whilst the sharehouse is open every day from 10am-4pm at the same location.
The rise of use in food banks has been well documented within the UK recently and has become a highly politicised issue. With many arguing that it is indicative of a growing poverty problem in the country. Old School Junk however goes beyond simply feeding those in need, offering activities: from board games to children’s cookery classes.
Gemma Chidgey, deputy centre manager at The Light, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Old School Junk is an extremely exciting project and something we are all proud of and passionate about. Research shows that during the school holidays up to three million children will go hungry as they rely on school meals to feed and nourish them. This project looks to raise awareness of this and food waste, creating a space for children to eat and enjoy time with family and friends.”
The Old School Junk project’s main aims are to help highlight the importance of nutrition and the vast amounts of wasted food. And it’s successfully building upon the success of the Real Junk Food Project which has now gone global.
With no big financial commitment from parents during the holidays, which can often be an expensive time of year, Old School Junk is an amazing project. Not only ensuring children are fed nutritious meals throughout the holidays but giving them a space to learn and play.
Image Credit: Old School Junk | Old School Junk | Old School Junk
