Youngsters who have free school meals will be able to eat for free at a Workington cafe during the summer holidays.
The scheme, at the Carnegie Cafe, on Finkle Street, also extends to their parents/carers and siblings.
It runs from Monday until September 3. Families can visit every day if they need to.
The scheme has been funded by Cumbria Community Foundation’s Allerdale Holiday, Activities and Food Fund and the theatre has been given £11,000.
Michael Nutter, hospitality and facilities manager, who was responsible for the grant application, said: “The Carnegie’s main aim over the coming years is to become a central hub that serves the whole community.
“As well as offering a range of activities and entertainment, we want to support the most vulnerable in our society and so are incredibly grateful for this grant.”
Annalee Holliday, senior grants and programmes officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The summer holidays can be a really difficult time for families who are struggling. The pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis has hit the most vulnerable the hardest: worrying about how to afford activities and even the basics, like meals and a safe place to play. Food poverty is at the heart of the difficulties for many families.
“The fund means that children and young people not only don’t go hungry when term ends but also eat healthily and have fun. This is made possible thanks to a former Cumbrian resident who has a passion for the area in which he grew up and wants to see children and young people overcome these challenges and thrive. I hope many others follow their lead.”
Meals will be available Monday to Saturday between 9am and 3pm.
It will be a limited menu, a cafe spokesman said, but it was hoped it would help families who may be struggling without access to free school meals during the summer holidays.
If your child is eligible for free school meals in Workington, simply show café staff communications from your school, or ask to speak to a duty manager when you arrive.
