19/12/2023
City of York Council and The Archbishop of York have launched a joint appeal for support for the City’s Hungry Minds Free School Meals campaign
The City Council’s newly adopted Council Plan, ‘One City, for all’, contains a pledge to start the journey towards becoming an anti-poverty city, including supporting young people and families, reducing food insecurity and exploring the benefits of free school meals for all primary school children.
This Archbishop’s appeal, which comes in the run-up to Christmas, follows this week's announcement that major donors have funded pilots of free school meals in two York schools.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has created a video in which he invites residents and businesses across the region to support the Hungry Minds initiative. The video is available to view on City of York’s website, and social media channels.
In the video, the Archbishop says,
“There are children at school today who are hungry and falling behind because of that. The Hungry Minds appeal has a huge vision. If you can, please give generously to the Hungry Mind appeal. This is one way in which we can make a significant difference.”
Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said,
“To have the support of the Archbishop in this campaign, so soon after the donations of some of our most important and caring partners is a real boost, and I am very grateful to Archbishop Stephen for both this important intervention, and for his insight and understanding of both the problem and what we are trying to achieve to address it.
“The growing momentum behind this city-wide partnership to improve the attendance, wellbeing and attainment of children in York's schools is remarkable, and really powerful, and I am happy to echo the Archbishop’s call - if you are able to support this appeal - please do.”
Anyone wishing to donate funding to support the Free School meals pilot can do so via the York Community Fund.
A partnership between City of York Council and Two Ridings Community Foundation, the Fund will provide a vehicle for and source of independent funding that supports vibrant and purposeful community action to improve the wellbeing of people in the city. Donations can be made via the Fund website.