'There are kids going home and not eating properly. It's the least we can do'

PLIGHT OF STRUGGLING FAMILIES INSPIRED SCHOOL TO SET UP ITS OWN FOOD BANK

- Stephen Topping

IT'S a very typical school reception. Step inside and you're warmly greeted by welcoming staff behind the desk.

There's a waiting area with three sofas, a mural with motivational messages and a trophy cabinet showing the academy's achievements. But in the corner of the room, there is something you might not expect.

There are two tables. On top of one is dried pasta, rice, sauces, tinned vegetables, and cereals. On the other, there is more food, plus knitted hats, gloves, and sanitary products.

This is the reality at The Oldham Academy North, in Royton, where a food bank is run each month. It's a reality headteacher Jessica Giraud. couldn't have imagined as she began her career 20 years ago.

"I've always worked in schools in disadvantaged areas," she said. "But if I think back to my first school, in the centre of Leeds, in a really difficult area near the prison, we would never have even thought of having to do anything like this. It's just unimaginable." The stark reality staff at the academy face is that the need for support, to help children eat basic meals, has grown 'hugely!

On the last Friday of every month, parents and carers are welcome to pick up food and items that they need. One of those parents, who used the food bank for the first time on Friday is a dad-of-three, currently caring for his growing family and looking for a new job while battling soaring bills.

"It's something I've been struggling with, well, the entire of my family has," he told the M.E.N. 

"It's a fairly big family, I've got three kids I'm looking after. My wife, she's a care assistant, currently, she's on maternity leave. I think [the food bank] is quite helpful. I think it's a good gesture considering what many families are going through. Rent is going up, the price of food items, the cost of living generally!"