Albion’s Hawthorns Hot Meals initiative has seen the best part of 6,000 hot meals delivered to those most in need in the local community between the Easter and Whitsun half-term breaks.
Prepared by the Club’s Executive Head Chef, Sean Byrne, and his team in The Hawthorns kitchen; the meals were then delivered to 61 Sandwell Schools by Albion Foundation staff.
Over a total of six weeks, the charity’s workers delivered 5,879 meals to schools across the borough, who then redistributed them to children who they believe were going without vital nutrition during the lockdown period of the coronavirus pandemic.
To help assist with the deliveries, a uniquely branded van generously donated by Otis Vehicle Rentals was used to help get the meals to the schools.
And the meals have been greatly appreciated by both the schools and those who are receiving them.
“The feedback from families has been uplifting as they have very little. Our staff feel proud in delivering the meals and privileged to receive the smiles and gratitude in return,” said Sandwell Valley Principal, Mim Hall.
“We have been very grateful for the hard work that West Bromwich Albion and The Albion Foundation has been doing, not just for our families but for the whole of the community,” said Jayne Hughes, Welfare and Safeguarding Practitioner at The Priory Primary School.
Premier League Primary Stars Officer at the Foundation, Richard Holmes, said the initiative has helped the charity to work closer with its partner schools.
“Our community and our school partners are important to us, and we want them to know we are here to support them not just in the good times, but also when things are tough,” Richard said.
“The project has been so rewarding, knowing that we are able to support and help families and provide some sense of normality through Hawthorns Hot Meals.
“To see and hear about the impact it has made in the lives of those involved makes it all worthwhile,” he said.