A PRIMARY school is celebrating the success of a two-week scheme to keep pupils fed during the summer holidays.

As previously told in the Evening Times, Children in Scotland’s Food, Families, Futures (FFF) programme was this year continued for the third year.

Highpark Primary is one of four Glasgow schools to get involved, along with Ibrox, Dalmarnock and in Easterhouse.

Teachers at the Ruchill school held a family barbecue yesterday, to mark the end of the two-week programme.

Teacher Katie Ross said: “This is the second year we’ve taken part and this year is much bigger with lots more activities for our pupils.

“We wanted a programme that would stop hunger and holiday boredom so pupils get two meals while they are with us and there is lots for them to do.”

Tackling holiday hunger has become a priority at both government and local authority level.

Glasgow City Council has been consulting on a scheme to give funding of between £500 and £25,000 to make sure all city children are fed when school’s out.

Children in Scotland’s FFF programme this year expanded from two local authority areas and now runs in four: Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, Perth and Kinross and East Lothian.

At High Park youngsters were given access to activities from the Jeely Piece Club, made pencil cases thanks to Sewing Together, learned mindfulness with Relaxed Kids and took part in day trips.

After coming in to breakfast at 10am there were ICT lessons, art classes, movie clubs and face painting until pick-up time at 2.30pm.

Aaron Stewart, in P5, said: “I like coming because you get breakfast and lunch and get to do whatever you want.

“My favourite activities are going to Jeely Piece, Relax Kids, John for Drama and Tina for drums.

“I want to do the same stuff next year. My favourite lunch has been the chicken curry and wraps.”

Nicola Stewart, Aaron’s Mum, added: “We’re already looking forward to next year to see what they have in store.

“The kids are learning to mix with other ages of children and cultures and make friends with new groups.

“They’re eating fruit all day - which they don’t eat if we put in it the lunchbox normally.”

Between 50 and 70 pupils attended the programme each day with organisers persuading parents to stay and be involved too.

Katie said: “In an area such as our school, we know there are families who need extra support but I won’t comment on what goes on at home.

“Some pupils do rely on free meals though, and while we make sure they don’t go without in term time, holidays can be an extra challenge.”

Around 50 groups have signed up for the Glasgow City Council scheme to tackle holiday hunger, which is separate from FFS.

The council wants to ensure all children are fed during school holidays and is using its Glasgow Children’s Summer Food Programme to achieve that aim.