FREE packed lunches are being offered to children in Yate and Chipping Sodbury to help their parents in the summer holidays.

Jodie Hayward, a mum from Yate, was inspired to start the service after watching the efforts of others in the community to help those less fortunate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jodie, 34, a student midwife, launched ‘Let us do lunch’ on Facebook and initially self-funded the project. She is now asking for donations to support the service to offer packed lunches for any school age children that need them.

The lunches are prepared daily and each consists of crisps, carrot or cucumber sticks, a yoghurt and a treat. Parents are then able to choose a staple main part for the lunch from a choice of sandwiches, pizza or pasta.

Families can also take donations of other available items such as fruit, vegetables and eggs.

Jodie set up the service to alleviate some financial pressure for families who rely on free school lunches, although the service is available to anyone that needs help.

She said: “I have been really inspired by lots of wonderful people in the local and wider community and felt compelled to do something to help.

“The group has been running for one week and in that time, we have provided 88 packed lunches across Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

“I would love for local businesses to get involved and welcome any donations. I would love to make the group sustainable and secure some more connections with local businesses.”

For more, see the Let us do lunch Facebook page or email jodiehayward1986@hotmail.co.uk