Schoolchildren in Reydon and Southwold will receive free lunches as part of a new scheme.

As many families continue to feel the strain from the cost of living crisis, Reydon Parish Council has teamed up with the Sole Bay Care Fund and the Latitude Volunteers to launch a pilot project providing free school lunches for all pupils at Reydon and Southwold primary schools.

The new scheme will give children access to a hot meal during the school day to support physical and academic development.

Lowestoft Journal: Pupils at Southwold Primary give the thumbs up the new free school meal project. Picture - Gary BroughtonPupils at Southwold Primary give the thumbs up the new free school meal project. Picture - Gary Broughton (Image: Gary Broughton)Reydon Parish Council chair Pam Cyprien said: “Following the success of our Community Pantry we are delighted to be able to extend support to the children in our community through the Feed The Children initiative.

"Both schemes are designed to benefit everyone, de-stigmatising those in need, and supporting everyone through these difficult times.

"No child should go without a nutritious meal, we want to thank all the volunteers who have got this project off the ground, and we look forward to making a positive difference to our community.”

Lowestoft Journal: Head of Kitchen, Zoe Dawkins, with pupils from Southwold Primary School enjoying their free school meals courtesy of the Feed All Children Community Project. Picture - Gary BroughtonHead of Kitchen, Zoe Dawkins, with pupils from Southwold Primary School enjoying their free school meals courtesy of the Feed All Children Community Project. Picture - Gary Broughton (Image: Gary Broughton)Katy Last, academy head at Southwold Primary School, said that since the project was launched, 95pc of pupils are now having school meals each day.

She added: "Financial pressure is always a concern and can be very stressful, particularly at this time of year and anything done to ease this makes a difference."

Dr Cathy Ryan, from the Sole Bay Care Fund, said: “We are delighted to be able to facilitate the donations for this project and want to say thank you to the other community groups, charitable trusts and individuals that have really got behind it. 

"Knowing all children in our nursery and primary schools have access to a hot meal during the school day, through the winter months is an amazing achievement."

To donate to the project, visit www.solebaycarefund.uk