How a Harborough primary school is helping to feed struggling families during the devastating coronavirus pandemic

A Market Harborough primary school is helping to feed struggling families during the devastating coronavirus pandemic.

Market Harborough CE Academy (part of Learn Academies Trust) is leading by example as tightknit communities across Harborough showcase our district at its very best.

The Fairfield Road school is supporting grateful local people after starting to work Fareshare, a Leicester-based charity, last year.

Fareshare takes high-quality surplus food and provides it to community groups and charities.

Market Harborough CE Academy set out to provide food to families who may need a little extra each week.

Joanne Douglas, the school’s catering manager, led the altruistic initiative with great success.

“I had mentioned about how I felt some of our families needed extra help sometimes with food.

“So I was invited over to the Fareshare depot in Wigston to take a look at what they do,” she said.

“I came away with such an amazing feeling of what we could do to help our school community.

“The quality of food is great and there’s a good variety too.”

The school, which has about 370 pupils aged from 4-11, were determined to keep their foodbank open during the Covid-19 emergency.

And the entire catering team has been working tirelessly to supply food to families who would otherwise go short at this tough time.

Pastoral leader Sally Ingram is regularly delivering vital food parcels to families unable to get to school.

Headteacher Emma Tayler said: “I am delighted with the way staff have worked together to continue this crucial support at this very difficult time.

“Our motto is ‘Growing Together in God’s love’.

“And the foodbank project is one way we have been able to put this into practice during the lockdown period.”

The popular school, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2019, still has spaces available in some year groups for the next academic year.

If you would like find out more contact the school by email at [email protected] or call 01858 464112. You can also visit the school website at: www.marketharboroughcofe.co.uk