A PIONEERING scheme to stop kids going hungry over summer has seen a 25 per cent increase in demand in the last year.

Dalmarnock primary school’s Food, Families, Future (FFF) scheme saw more than 80 kids register to attend last year.

This summer, more than 100 kids have signed up to take part and the scheme has been rolled out to seven new schools across the city.

Run by charity Children in Scotland, the programme was first piloted in Dalmarnock and Ibrox in 2016 to help families whose children receive free school meals during term time.

Often parents struggle to afford the extra meals during the holidays, as well; as provide entertainment for their youngsters.

Along with the Glasgow schools, pupils at 19 others across the West of Scotland will benefit from the programme.

Summer clubs will be running until August at Highpark primary in Ruchill, Langfaulds primary in Drumchapel and Castlemilk’s Miller Primary.

St Benedict’s and Oakwood primaries in Easterhouse will also be sharing a club.

Kids from Blackfriars and St Francis primaries in the Gorbals will be able to attend events run by three community projects - Bridging the Gap, Task Childcare and Gorbals Youth Café - as part of the FFF scheme.

It comes after the Evening Times highlight the plight of thousands of children who could face hunger over the holidays as their parents struggle to cope.

Foodbank managers say the summer is one of the busiest times of year, as many parents need extra help to feed their kids when they are not in school during the day.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, Glasgow city council’s education spokesman, said: “This is such an excellent initiative – and very effective as the outcomes from last year proved.

“I’m delighted that the council is helping to fund the expansion this year and that many more of our families in need across the city will benefit.

“The beginning of the school holidays is a joy to so many but creates additional, unwanted pressure to people experiencing food poverty. This worthy project will help, in some small way, to reduce some of this stress for our families across Glasgow.”

Lorraine Booth, head teacher of Miller Primary, said: “We’ve had a really positive response from our families...

“I know that the impact of the summer club will be amazing and our school is very grateful to be a part of the programme.”