A FORMER Cumbrian man who has never forgotten his roots is making sure that Allerdale children need not go hungry this summer.
This summer, children and families will be able to access free food and fun activities thanks to a new fund set up by a former Cumbrian to address holiday hunger.
Mike Wombwell, is a businessman who was born near Maryport and now lives in Cornwall.
His digital start-up investments have taken him around the world but he has never forgotten his roots.
He set up the Allerdale Holiday Activities and Food Fun, which is managed by the Cumbria Community Foundation.
He said: "The summer holidays can be a really difficult time for families who are struggling financially and can be a time when food becomes less varied and nutritious, stresses within the family increase, contact with peers and other social and educational opportunities diminish and physical health declines.
"The Allerdale Holiday, Activities and Food Fund is making grants to a whole range of projects and activities available to children and young people in areas such as Maryport and Workington to address food hunger."
More than ten organisations that understand the need of their communities have received financial support to date, including Aspatria Dreamscheme, Carnegie Theatre, Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants and Residents Association (ENTRA), North Lakes Foodbank, West Cumbria Carers, South Workington Youth Partnership and Cumberland Football Association.
Mike said: “I am always inspired by the commitment of local volunteers who are active in the local community and I am happy to make a contribution to support their efforts especially in these challenging times."
Workington Reds and the Cumberland Football Association will send children home with a recipe box to cook a healthy meal at home after a day of activities.
West House supports children, young people, and adults with learning and other disabilities in Cumbria. Funding will provide various activities along with a nutritious meal.
The Carnegie Theatre in Workington is able to provide over 1,000 free hot meals free of charge for children and families on low income over the whole six weeks, thanks to the grant.
Cumbria Community Foundation has been building philanthropic support for communities and grassroots groups for 22 years. In that time, working with individual donors and businesses, it has invested more than £56 million into local communities
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 Allerdale Holiday, Activities & Food 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 Mike’s lead."
The full list of grantees are:
Aspatria Dreamscheme
Carnegie Theatre
Cumberland FA
Cumbria Family Support
Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenants and Residents Association (ENTRA)
Gilcrux Village Hall
North Lakes Foodbank
RV Projects
South Workington Youth Partnership
West Cumbria Carers
West House
Wigton Baths Trust
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