CHILDREN across Scotland will again be participating in Children in Scotland’s food partnership programme, Food, Families, Futures (FFF).

Now in its third year, FFF gives children and families the opportunity to enjoy meals and activities in schools during the summer holidays.

Across the participating areas, there will be a total of 20,300 places available during July and August – a significant increase on the 4000 places offered in the summer of 2017.

The programme has expanded from two local authority areas in 2017 - Glasgow and West Dunbartonshire - to four and this year will cover schools in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, Perth and Kinross and East Lothian.

Jackie Brock, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the expansion of the Food, Families, Futures partnership.

"We know the summer holidays can be a time of pressure for many families, but FFF highlights the strengths in our communities and our ability to collaborate, offer support and solve problems together.

“Thanks to Meals & More and the local councils involved this year, FFF is opening up schools so that even more families can access quality food and fantastic activities during the long summer break.”

Food, Families, Futures, run with food distribution company Brakes’ Meals & More programme, was launched by Children in Scotland in 2015, with the aim of contributing to tackling food poverty and its link to children’s health, wellbeing and education.

Parents are guided on how to prepare fresh, healthy meals under the direction of qualified community chefs, while children enjoy activities ranging from sport and play to arts and crafts.

Families have the opportunity to cook and eat together as part of the experience.

Sessions range from part-day to full day, with clubs running from between five and 25 days over the summer holiday period.

Pem Hulusi, Programme Manager for Brakes’ Meals & More programme added: “With Children in Scotland, we’re delighted to be supporting the FFF clubs in their third year.

"The great work in Scotland represents our wider commitment to retaining and strengthening all our Meals & More partnerships across the UK.

“Our long-term ambition is to increase the capacity within these clubs to reach more children, support families and communities in need, and continue the fight against child poverty.”