There has been plenty of publicity recently about how some families are struggling to put food on their plates.

Now children at a small primary school in St Mary's Platt are doing what they can to help.

Platt Church of England Primary School only has just over 160 pupils, but that hasn't stopped them making some big food collections to give to the Borough Green Food Bank.

During the strict Covid lockdown earlier this year, many of the school's families struggled with shielding or financial concerns.

At the time, the Borough Green Food Bank stepped in and began weekly food hamper deliveries to families in need, providing a lifeline to many who it would have been difficult for the school to support directly.

In addition to providing essential food items, the food bank also delivered little treats, from activity books to chocolate cakes, to keep

spirits up.

Now that the school is open again, the children have decided it’s time to give back and the school has launched Food Bank Fridays on the last Friday of each month.

Children are invited to donate non-perishable goods into a trolley at the school gates, which are then taken to Borough Green Food Bank at The Church of the Good Shepherd. The food bank is currently supporting 14 local families and individuals in need.

Nigel Ralph, of Borough Green Food Bank, said: “We were pleased to be able to help school and its families this year.

"The donations collected on Food Bank Fridays will be incredibly welcome and will help us continue our work to support the local

community.”

Head teacher, Jenna Crittenden, said: “We want to teach our children the value of charity and supporting people in their time of need.

"It is our ambition to provide a more permanent support to the food bank when we move to our new school building next year."

She said: "We hope to provide a more permanent collection station for donations or perhaps use our new kitchen to help feed those in need at Christmas.”

If you would like to donate to Borough Green Food Bank please contact office@platt.kent.sch.uk

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