Luton teachers cook and deliver 600 meals for Christmas

Toys were gifted by customers and staff at Tesco Extra in Dunstable and The Mall Luton

A group of teachers gave up their Christmas Eve to prepare and deliver 600 meals and toys to struggling families.

Staff from eight schools took part in the Luton Smiles and Foodbank scheme with donations from The Mall and Tesco.

"The cost-of-living crisis continues to leave many struggling in our community," said the charity.

Local families have benefitted from the initiative for the past four years. In 2022, 500 meals were sent out locally.

This year's dinners were cooked and delivered by teachers from Chiltern Academy, Chantry Academy, Farley Primary, Foxdell Primary, Linden Academy, Southfield Primary, The Meads Primary and Whitefield Primary.

The kitchens at Chiltern Academy were used to prepare the meals

"Thanks to the hard work of the staff and donors involved, many families were able to enjoy a happy Christmas with their loved ones," said Liz Stringer, chair of the charity.

Ian Douglas, head teacher of Chiltern Academy, said: "We know with the work that we do with our families that many are struggling to make ends meet.

"Initiatives such as Luton Smiles are important to ensuring children do not miss out and we were pleased to be able to be involved."

Families of children at the schools known to be struggling were selected for a parcel.

Members of the Luton Foodbank with staff from Chiltern Academy

Cori Bateman, chief executive of the Pioneer Learning Trust, which manages three of the primary schools, said: "One of the mums I delivered to hugged me and shared with me how important these gifts were to her, making it possible for her child to have a lovely Christmas.

"She cried at the kindness of the gifts and food - I'm not ashamed to say I cried with her."