Four hundred free school meals handed out by Royal & Derngate team this half-term

Pictured left-to right: Tom Hewer, Megan Lucas, Jo Gordon and Tom Kirby.

The Royal & Derngate team have handed out a whopping 480 free food parcels this week to children going hungry during the October half-term.

Caterer Tom Hewer, who runs venues including Franks, John Franklins and The Artizan, has been working in partnership with the the theatre to make sure the children who rely on school meals are still able to access lunches during the break.

As part of the partnership, a lunch bag consisting of a ham or cheese sandwich, a piece of fruit, a drink and a treat could be picked up from John Franklins, in Guildhall Road, between 11.30am and 12.30pm Monday-Friday.

Each parent who expressed an interest for their child was given a free lunch bag including a sandwich, fruit, treats and a drink. Pictures by Kirsty Edmonds.

Every morning the theatre team, comprising of Box Office staff, technicians and the CEO, would work together as part of a mini operation line to pack up a bag filled with goodies for school-aged children.

Among the businesses who offered a helping hand to the theatre was the Little Bakery of Happiness,Thackery's, Ginger and Stamp, Good To Bee, The Good Loaf and Voyager Chaffeur.

CEO Jo Gordon said: "We've made it no questions asked and no proof required but actually people have been stopping to chat to us and they have talked about their gratitude for it.

"People have said they have slipped through the net of free school meals, so actually this has been a bit of a lifeline for them.

"We have had so much interest and it's been lovely for the team to get stuck in."

Dozens of other amazing Northampton businesses joined the Royal & Derngates pledge this week to support parents whose children are eligible for free school meals, as part of Marcus Rashford's end food poverty campaign.

Last week the Labour Party brought a motion to Government to extend free school meal vouchers during the October half-term, which was voted down by MPs.

The team have not only been making and bagging up meals everyday, they also had one of their staff members drop-off lunches at the Hope Centre, Broadmead Community Centre in Abington and two primary schools.

Jo added: "We are thrilled we could help so many people.

"We are conscious that there are so many charities and organisations doing amazing work like this all the time but we're grateful to have had a small opportunity to contribute this week.

"A huge thanks to my team and all those businesses who have donated so generously."