Trained staff from a number of departments prepare the meals using the school’s food stock that would have otherwise gone to waste given the national closure of educational settings.
Staff then distribute the cooked food to families who have requested the service via the school’s existing support schemes.
The programme got underway on 30 April, with deliveries of chicken pasta bake and chilli to around 21 families, with a second round of deliveries made yesterday (Thursday).
Wallace is the only Scottish Attainment Challenge secondary school in the Stirling Council area, and the introduction of the programme continues its work in this key area.
A fantastic idea
Convener of Stirling Council’s Children and Young People Committee, Cllr Susan McGill said: “Using food that would have gone to waste to support local families is a fantastic idea by Wallace High and another example of our dedicated education staff going above and beyond to help those in need during the current crisis.
“As a participatory school in the Scottish Attainment Challenge, Wallace has unique support measures in place, including the Wallace Hub, and the food deliveries will allow it to keep breaking down barriers to learning.”
Each week, families will receive a menu of what is being served up on the forthcoming Thursday and can opt in or out. Instructions are also provided on safe storage and reheating.
School staff from the Health and Wellbeing faculty, Pupil Support, Senior Leadership Team and wider school volunteers are all involved in the initiative, along with Family Link Workers.
Government social distancing restrictions and all appropriate food hygiene protocols are strictly adhered to throughout the process.
Local supermarket, Lidl, are supporting the programme with additional food items.
Risen to the challenge
Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Christine Simpson said: “A huge well done to all the staff at Wallace High who have volunteered their services to support their local learning community in this innovative and practical way.
“Without the outstanding commitment of our schools and learning staff, we wouldn’t be able to support children and families via free childcare hubs, free school meal deliveries and flexible learning during these unprecedented times. They have all risen to the challenge and we are hugely proud and grateful to them all.”
More information:
For all the latest Stirling Council education updates during Coronavirus (COVID-19), please use the following link: https://www.stirling.gov.uk/learning-education/coronavirus-education-updates/
The NHS Inform website is producing regularly updated guidance on COVID-19 and we would recommend this as the best resource for the latest information and advice.
Residents in need of care, essential supplies or support can contact 01786 404040 and have their requirements formally recorded by Stirling Council’s community response teams. You can also fill in our Support for People online form.
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Wallace HS - Community Meals 2 (0) -
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Wallace HS - Community Meals 1 (2)
