St. George’s Church Primary School

As schools closed their doors in March 2020 to many pupils except those that are the children of Keyworkers, and with parents’ jobs and incomes being hugely affected by social distancing measures imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, many families in Lincolnshire faced increased levels of hardship and found it harder than ever to feed their families.

In Gainsborough, St George’s Church of England Community Primary School was determined to feed all of its school children, along with some children attending other local schools too. As a result of Lincolnshire Community Foundation awarding St George’s a share of NET Coronavirus Appeal funding, they were able to feed in excess of 100 people each day.

The school served takeaway lunch each day, and also launched a Grab and Go provision at the school gates; offering a variety of food and £1 takeaway food parcels to pupils, families and passers-by. To ensure social distancing was maintained at all times, white lines were painted 2 metres apart onto the pavement.

For those families who are more vulnerable and in isolation, a group comprised of parents of pupils and members of staff, established a food parcel delivery service, to ensure that these people do not go without during this unprecedented time.

The staff at St George’s also served the wider community, too. Through collaborating with two local churches, they have been able to reach more elderly and isolated members of the local community, to deliver food packages and meals to them at home, ensuring that they are able to stay safe and stay isolated.

And as a way of saying thank you to our invaluable NHS workers, St George’s sent food parcels to the NHS staff at John Coupland Hospital Minor Injuries and X-Ray departments each day too.

With the award received from Lincolnshire Community Foundation, St George’s were able to extend their food provision to feed families at the weekend too; creating and distributing “Something for the Weekend” hampers with a range of ingredients and a menu idea to enable those who receive a hamper, to remain safe and well in isolation.