New lunch clubs are a boost for families

The programme of fun, food and fitness for parents and their children is run by Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership and funded by the National Charity Partnership made up of Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and Tesco.

Holiday lunch clubs allow families to learn more about healthy eating and cooking tasty meals on a budget as well as spending time doing fun activities together.

Meanwhile, children get the opportunity to take part in supervised games and activities and try new foods and have fun with their friends.

North Lanarkshire Council depute leader Councillor Paul Kelly visited a holiday lunch club at Braidhurst High last week.

He said: “These holiday lunch clubs are a terrific new school holiday programme free for parents or carers and children to enjoy. The programme allows children to play in a safe and fun place and for their parents to learn more about food and how to cook healthy meals on a budget.

“Holidays can be a difficult time for families and put added pressures on household finances. This programme will be a great help to many people taking part.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone associated with this programme and particularly staff at Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership, which is running the clubs.”

Katherine Hale, prevention programme manager for the National Charity Partnership, added: “North Lanarkshire is one of only six areas in the UK where we’re funding this exciting programme and we’re delighted by its success so far.

“It’s great to hear how much fun families are having whilst also learning how to make those small yet achievable changes towards a healthier lifestyle.”

Clubs take place in Motherwell, Bellshill, Shotts, Glenboig, Coatbridge, Newmains, Airdrie and Cumbernauld and will run again during the school holidays in October, for more information call 0141 771 7927 or send an e-mail