Kids can get fed and have fun!

A new initiative that aims to help tackle food poverty is providing affordable cooked meals for children after school.

Running every term-time weekday afternoon (4pm to 6pm) at The Nest, near Hellesdon, the Play and Eat programme gives children and their families the chance to enjoy the facility’s outdoor areas followed by a healthy, nutritious dinner. The initiative was launched following a £5,000 donation from Persimmon Homes Anglia and costs just £2 per child. Ian Thornton, CEO at the Community Sports Foundation, said: “We are really proud to bring these sessions to The Nest. “Not only will local families be able to enjoy a healthy, freshly cooked meal, the play hour offers an invaluable opportunity to socialise, exercise and make new friends. “While the programme is open to all, we hope it will be most beneficial for those who are struggling to cope with the ever-rising costs of feeding their children or providing a healthy, nutritious meal. “We’re very grateful to Persimmon for their donation, which has enabled us to make this project a reality.

From 4pm to 5pm, children and their parents/carers will have access to the Challenge Woods outdoor play area or the community 3G football pitch. And from 5pm to 6m, health dinners are served in the The Nest’s Hub café.

Jordan Knell, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes Anglia, said: “Having seen first-hand the facilities available at The Nest, we know that young people will benefit from this opportunity to use them before enjoying a wholesome, balanced meal.”

You can turn up and up and pay at reception, there is no need to book. Visit www.communitysports foundation. org.uk/news/play-eat-at-the-nest-every weekday for more information.