Seven years of ‘Food and Fun’ in Flintshire

More than 390 Flintshire primary and secondary age children registered to attend this year’s Food and Fun programme which was hosted by 10 schools around the county during the first three weeks of the Summer holidays.

During the 12 days of the scheme, pupils were offered a healthy breakfast, snack and a hot lunch. More than 500 reusable water bottles were donated by Wall-Lag (Wales) so pupils were also kept well hydrated.

Ysgol Bryn Garth, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Queensferry Primary School, Golftyn Primary School, Ysgol Treffynnon, St David’s High school, Ysgol Pen Coch and Ysgol Maes Hyfryd, ran the programme again. Joining them for the first time were St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and Ysgol Merllyn.

As well as learning about healthy eating, pupils enjoyed food tasting sessions and were given the opportunity to practice their culinary skills. Pupils were invited to participate in a range of enrichment activities including pyrography, slate etching, willow weaving, Xplore science experiments, circus skills, coding and a great range of physical activities, including rock wall climbing, skate boarding, tennis and dodgeball.

North Wales Police also visited settings, offering pupils the opportunity to sit in the police van, try on uniform and chat with officers. 

The timetable of activities was planned by the staff with a focus on nutrition, physical activity and positive wellbeing.

Now in its seventh year, the Food and Fun Programme is delivered by Flintshire County Council in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association, Gwella Leisure, NEWydd Catering and  Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Cabinet member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said:

“It is fantastic to see so many children and young people taking part in this year’s Food and Fun. Hundreds of pupils enjoyed healthy meals, activities and support over the summer, which makes a real difference to families during the school holidays. I’d like to thank all the staff and partners involved for helping to provide such a positive and valuable experience.”

The Community Focused schools team led the programme in three schools this year, including SR Richard Gwyn, St David’s High School and Ysgol Pen Coch. Working alongside staff from the schools, they facilitated a full and varied  timetable of activities and experiences for pupils, engaged with parents on the parent lunch days and ensured the programme ran smoothly.

More than 60 pupils registered for Food and Fun in the special schools, Pen Coch and Maes Hyfryd, allowing parents a little respite during the summer holidays and pupils to continue their daily routine and engage in summer schemes facilitated by the Council.