Hundreds of children and their families came together to share food, fun, and community at Feast of Fun activities across our region this summer.
From cooking classes and crafts to sports and storytelling, 17 Network of Kindness church and faith groups opened their doors to host Feast of Fun activities during the school holidays.
Our small grants scheme, offered in partnership with Meals & More, provided funding for 4,178 meals to be served across these projects, helping to tackle school holiday hunger and creating space for families to connect.
At The Hope Foundation in Liverpool 6, four family cooking classes gave parents and children the chance to learn how to make healthy meals on a budget. Each session welcomed around 45 people, serving more than 200 meals.
The Hope Foundation said: “This funding allowed us to be a real blessing to many families in our community. The best thing was that parents and children not only learnt how to cook healthily on a budget, but were able to connect with one another and enjoy community.”
One parent added: “We came to access this class not knowing what to expect, but the children loved it and learnt so much. Thank you!”
In Knotty Ash, St John’s Church hosted a wellbeing and happiness day in the Ken Dodd Happiness Hall, complete with a “make your own healthy wraps” lunch and activities promoting good mental and physical health.
St John’s church said: “Funds are scarce, these grants are invaluable.”
One participant shared: “Thank you, we loved it and I can’t believe you do this for people and don’t charge!”
Meanwhile in Widnes, St Michael with St Thomas Church welcomed over 200 attendees to a summer fun day filled with crafts, games, and a healthy lunch.
The church reflected: “The children enjoyed making new friends, learning new skills and playing with one another. A lot of families who are struggling financially shared openly how receiving a healthy lunch with a huge variety of fruits to eat was a massive help during the school holiday. The event helped families to create some very special summer memories because the parents didn’t have the financial means to do it for themselves.“
Staff added: “Without the Feast of Fun grant the quality of the food and the activities provided would have been limited. A huge thank you to the funders for helping us to provide and deliver a good quality event to the struggling families in our community.”
Parents were just as enthusiastic: “All of my children have been fed, they have each had their face painted and had numerous goes on the bouncy castle… that would have cost a fortune at a fee-paying event! In fact, I know I couldn’t have afforded to pay for them all and they would’ve missed out – thank you so much for spoiling them!”
Another shared: “Are you sure parents are being fed too? I usually go without so the kids can eat – thank you for feeding me too!” And one child summed it up simply: “I thought it was going to be another boring day, but it’s been the best day of the holidays so far! Can you do it again tomorrow?!”
Meanwhile Triple C (Liverpool) ran a two-week summer playscheme in partnership with Christ Church Norris Green, reaching 167 children with activities and meals.
Young people said: “I didn’t know anyone else here and I have made friends!” and “I have learnt basketball skills and tried something new to eat!”
Volunteers also found it rewarding: “It’s been great to get to know some of the children, teaching them some ball skills was fun they really seemed eager to learn. It is my first playscheme, it’s been clear to me that it is much needed in this community and it’s been amazing to be a part of it!”
Another added: “Love helping at playscheme, seeing the children happy and being part of it is special. Over 100 children came on the first day and that was a surprise, but it’s so good the way it is organised and runs so smoothly.”
The North Liverpool and South Sefton Circuit (County Methodist Hub) delivered four themed morning sessions, from baking to a pirate party based on the story of Noah, each finishing with a healthy lunch.
Staff reflected: “Although we would have run these sessions – we wouldn’t have been able to offer as much as we did. Thank you so much for the grant and your continued support.”
One parent summed up the value: “These sessions are a wonderful idea. They keep us entertained and allowed us to do things we wouldn’t normally do with our children. There’s something for every age, and we’ve all had an amazing time.”
Together, these 17 projects showed the power of Feast of Fun to bring children and families together, sharing joy, learning, and connection while also providing meals during the school holidays. Thank you to all the Network of Kindness members who hosted activities, and to our funders whose support made this possible.
