A woman from Gedling is calling on businesses across the borough to support her scheme to help feed children in need during school holidays.
Francine Southall has set up the ‘pay it forward’ scheme, which allows customers to make a donation at participating outlets which will be used to pay for a meal for a child.
Francine decided to set up the initiative after experiencing poverty herself as a child.
She said: I have long been concerned at the rise in families needing additional financial support, which has increased exponentially since the start of the pandemic.
“As a child, I lived in extreme poverty and therefore understand what it feels like to go hungry, which is why I came up with an idea.
“So far, I have four businesses signed up and agreed to be on a database I have designed. All the businesses had already made a commitment to support local children in need out of their own pocket, which is testament to their goodwill.
The scheme would be reliant upon word spreading and people getting on board, which is why we need people to champion the scheme.
She added: I am thinking ahead to Christmas and spring half-term school breaks and I am hopeful that a number of additional local businesses will sign up before then.
“At least one of the businesses signed up has stated they hope to put together around 10 food hampers for families at Christmas.
Retro Pizza Shack in Carlton is one of the local businesses to get on board with the pay it forward initiative.
The owners of Retro Pizza Shack: said: “We decided to help families out as we have struggled in the past, so know how it feels.
“When we saw that the Government weren’t going to help families we decided to do something about it.
We made over 35 pizzas for families in need the other day. We will do other things to help this worth while cause.”
How the ‘Pay it Forward’ scheme works
- During school holiday periods between now and April 2021, people can choose to make a pay it forward donation to a participating shop/café/food outlet.
- Parents and carers of eligible children arrange collection of food direct from participating establishments.
- The food provided will vary dependent on the establishment. Details of food and collection guidelines are listed below.
- Shops and food outlets taking part will manage donations.
- Eligible children are those eligible for free school meals or whose parents are struggling due to the effects of Covid-19. Shop owner’s discretion advised.
Who is taking part and what’s on offer?
Retro Pizza Shack
41 Burlington Road, Carlton, Nottingham. NG4 3JJ. Contact: 07480878445
- 12 inch Pizza included in offer.
- Donations to pay it forward can be made at any time. Please ring to arrange collection (10 min slots available.)
- Collections will be every Friday during school holidays from 11:30am.
Masks must be worn and social distancing maintained. Children must be accompanied by an adult. - Offers also extend to NHS workers.
Ali Food Store
165-167 Sneinton Dale, Nottingham, NG2 4HU. Contact: 0115 924 0406
- Fresh fruit/veg OR small milk and bread included in offer.
- Donations to pay it forward can be made at any time.
- Please ring in advance to arrange collection.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Heidi’s Cafe
43 Westdale Lane, Gedling, Nottingham. NG4 3JN. Contact: 07494399115
- Packed lunch for children included in offer. Packed lunches for the week can be arranged in advance.
- Current opening hours are 9am to 12 noon daily. Donations to pay it forward can be made at any time during these hours.
- Please ring to arrange collection.
- Masks must be worn and social distancing maintained. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Mustard Seed Christian Bookshop and Tea Room
2 Main Road, Gedling, Nottingham. NG4 3HP. Contact: 07940446457
- Selection of sandwiches and toasties included in offer.
- Donations to pay it forward can be made at any time.
- Please ring to arrange collection or pop into the shop.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Marie’s Kitchen
308 Carlton Hill, Nottingham. NG4 1GD.Contact: 07480 471857
- Selection of cold cobs, hotdog or fish finger sandwiches, drink and cake included in offer.
- Donations to pay it forward can be made at any time.
- Please ring to arrange collection or pop into the shop.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Face masks and social distancing to be maintained.
Local businesses that want to get involved in the scheme can contact Francine Southall via email: f.southall2020@gmail.com