Hundreds of free meals dished out to help with cost of living crisis in Milton Keynes

More than 32,000 hours of free activities plus healthy meals and snacks were dished out to children who usually receive free school meals over the Christmas school holidays.

The city council’s winter activity programme ran during the last week of the school holidays and offered indoor and outdoor events for children and their families in more than 55 locations, including 10 with dedicated support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The council worked with schools, clubs and charities to provide sports, music, education and crafts, with children and young people learning skills from painting and cookery to climbing and film-making. More than 8,000 individual sessions took place with each including a free healthy meal and snack.

Cllr Zoe Nolan, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "We are delighted that so many families got involved in our winter activity week and local providers offered a fantastic range of events and fresh food. I was lucky enough to attend the pantomime trip to MK Theatre and it was lovely to see so many smiling faces. This week was part of our larger programme for children and families who are struggling, and we’ll keep looking at ways we can support families in the year ahead.”

The winter activity week followed the Summer of Play and spring activity week and is aimed at helping families struggling with the cost of living crisis with Milton Keynes City Council setting out a £5.5m package of support for the winter. Further details of support and advice is available on the council website.