Feast of Fun Impact Report - 3,800+ meals provided
Feast of Fun activities provided almost 4,000 meals for children and their families across the Diocese of Liverpool area, to help tackle holiday hunger this summer.
Together Liverpool supported 12 Network of Kindness member churches and their partners with small grants to deliver 19 activities, thanks to our funders Meals & More.
We are pleased to share our Impact Report which you can download, detailing how 3,834 meals were provided, reaching 2,139 people. These activities celebrate food and families, supporting churches to strengthen relationships within local communities by hosting fun days and barbeques, holiday clubs, and activity sessions.
Almost all of the activities engaged with families in receipt of free school meals (95%); and with single parent households (95%), 68% engaged with BAME households; 42% with asylum seekers and refugees; 11% with LGBTQ+ young people or families, and 26% with children with parents in prison.
A total 2,139 people took part in the activities, including 1,248 children and 891 adults, and a total 3,834 meals were provided.
Christ Church Norris Green and Triple C provided more than 1,110 meals during a two week play scheme. The church said: “Sending children home with full tummies, healthy bodies - having eaten well, exercised and had a great time is just brilliant!”
Liverpool North Central Methodist Circuit got people involved in a 'Let's Get Moving' day of activities with healthy food. The church said: “Conversation was flowing, and everyone was at ease. it was great to see relationships build/strengthen.”
St James with St Thomas, Wigan supplied more than 100 lunches for families, and in partnership with Wigan Athletic, football club, children were treated to a tour of the stadium and match tickets.
St Michael in the City and Faiths4Change hosted Pick Your Own Lunch and Grow Your Own Food events at The Secret Garden in Stoneycroft, Liverpool. Rachel Hardy, Faiths4Change Food, Land & Wellbeing Coordinator said: “The best thing about the activity was being able to provide completely free outdoor activities and food for families to enjoy during the holidays in their neighbourhood.”
In addition to Feast of Fun, we supported two Big Day Out activities run by Christ Church, Walton Breck, each with a grant of £500. Over 50 local children enjoyed two days out to Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, and Walton Hall Gardens.
Heather Holding, Family Outreach worker for Christ Church & Holy Trinity, Walton Breck said: “These days out have really strengthened our relationships with these families and they know we are a trusted group or place to be." She added: "It has been a huge blessing and boost to our work here in Anfield."
Further testimonials from churches and participants:
"Feast of Fun grants make a massive difference in our parish and community. They bring people together who would not normally mix, they increase mobility, reduce loneliness and isolation, give volunteers a sense of purpose and help people new to the community settle in and get to know people. I see the difference on the faces of children and parents, laughing, chatting, eating together and being creative. We have the building and place of welcome but the Feast of Fun grant gives us the resources to bring people together.” - St Aidan with All Saints, Speke
“Really lovely afternoon. Super friendly. So nice to have somewhere to go for a hot cup of tea whilst my child plays and lunch was a lovely treat, thank you!” - Participant
“Our activity was all about providing an opportunity for families to have fun together. Children were able to learn a new skill through the circus workshop, socialise with other children their age and we were able to provide a meal for the whole family for no cost.“- St James‘, Birkdale with Compassion Acts
“It helped us to provide a good quality offering to the community to improve engagement. Some of those attending had not come into the church building before and it has helped to establish new relationships. Some of those attending have since engaged with other activities offered by church and one grandparent has started volunteering.“ - St Andrew‘s, Clubmoor
“In our community there is real food poverty and financial hardships and families are struggling in the present economic crisis so a free food event was greatly appreciated.”- St Michael with St Thomas, Ditton, Widnes
“It's the end of the Summer holiday and I'm struggling financially. You've provided fun, laughter, crafts, games and I can't believe that you've fed us all” - Participant