The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2024 issue - Magazine - Page 38
Archbishop of York calls
for ‘Hungry Minds’ support
City of York Council and The Archbishop of York have
launched a joint appeal for support for the City’s Hungry
Minds Free School Meals campaign.
The City Council’s newly adopted Council Plan, ‘One City, for
all’, contains a pledge to start the journey towards becoming
an anti-poverty city, including supporting young people and
families, reducing food insecurity and exploring the benefits
of free school meals for all primary school children
This Archbishop’s appeal, which comes in the run-up to
Christmas, follows this week's announcement that major
donors have funded pilots of free school meals in two York
schools.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has created a video in
which he invites residents and businesses across the region
to support the Hungry Minds initiative. The video is available
to view on City of York’s website, and social media channels.
In the video, the Archbishop says,
“There are children at school today who are hungry and
falling behind because of that. The Hungry Minds appeal
has a huge vision. If you can, please give generously to the
Hungry Mind appeal. This is one way in which we can make a
significant difference”
Councillor Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young
People and Education, said,
“To have the support of the Archbishop in this campaign, so
soon after the donations of some of our most important and
caring partners is a real boost, and I am very grateful to
Archbishop Cottrell for both this important intervention, and
for his insight and understanding of both the problem and
what we are trying to achieve to address it.
“The growing momentum behind this city-wide partnership
to improve the attendance, wellbeing and attainment of
children in Yorks' schools is remarkable, and really powerful,
and I am happy to echo the Archbishop’s call - if you are able
to support this appeal - please do.”
Anyone wishing to donate funding to support the Free
School meals pilot can do so via the York Community Fund.
The Archbishop's video can be seen at:
https://youtu.be/kRYA24MzUtk
A partnership between City of York Council and Two Ridings
Community Foundation, the Fund will provide a vehicle for
and source of independent funding that supports vibrant
and purposeful community action to improve the wellbeing
of people in the city.
Donations can be made via the Fund website at
https://www.tworidingscf.org.uk/appeal/
york-hungry-minds/