Sunderland school's pledge to 'make sure our families are fed' with half-term food parcels

Susan Robertson and her team at St Leonard’s RC Primary School came together with a plan to support their families during the October holidays.

With just a day’s notice, they have assembled 26 food parcels for pupils who receive free school meals to take home for the week.

Mrs Robertson, who is in her first year of headship at the Silksworth school, said she would not be doing justice to her faith, community and the children she is responsible for if they did not act.

She told the Echo: “I came into school [on Thursday] and thought, ‘what can we do for our children during the half term?’

"We are a faith school and how can we put our faith into action and do something for the children.

"Why don’t we put on food parcels and make sure every one of our families who need it have a food parcel for the week.”

Supported by staff, families, business, restaurateurs and the local community, the school collected enough donations and money to put together the packages for distribution today (Friday, October 23).

Mrs Robertson and her team have been overwhelmed by people’s kindness and dedication to making sure no child goes without a meal.

"We did not have much at all and I remember my mam going with no food at all so we could have something to eat,” the headteacher said.

"You don’t realise until you become an adult and realise what my parents did for me.

"I’m now in a position as a headteacher of this fantastic little faith school where I can do something about it.”

Mrs Robertson also praised her colleagues at school, their families and everyone else who has contributed to the cause at such short notice.

The food parcels may be packed ready to go, but there are still lots of ways to donate.

St Leonard’s is a feeder school to St Aidan's Catholic Academy, which runs its own food bank and is taking donations.

Mrs Robertson also encouraged those who want to help to look at services in their community and reach out to neighbours who may need support.

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