Thurrock Lunch Club
Young People
Funds allows us to serve up free meals, friendship and fun to low-income families during school holidays.
About this cause
The 180 Project exists to support those in need in our local community. One of our core projects is Thurrock Lunch Club which serves free hot meals during school holidays to low-income (usually eligible for Free School Meals during term time) families with the aim of eliminating "holiday hunger". Alongside meals, we provide activities for the children, as well as support, signposting & friendship for parents who attend with their children. The project has been run for the past 5 years in Grays and works with 7 schools as well as other organisations to get referrals. Since we started we have served in excess of 3500 meals. This year we've already seen 100+ children. This project is backed up all year round by the work of our full-time family support worker & team of volunteer befrienders.
How this cause brings people in the community together
The benefits of Thurrock Lunch Club are multi-faceted; families are able to eat regular hot and nutritious meals when free school meals aren't available; contributing to the health & well-being. Parents & other individuals are given the opportunity to volunteer & receive training, enabling them to gain work experience. Volunteers talk of increased self-worth and regularly transition in to work.