St John Bosco Catholic Primary School in West Bromwich is supporting its school community by getting food packages to those who need them.

Although the Government is continuing to provide help to those officially on Free School Meals (FSM), in the form of vouchers, when the system had a few teething issues, Head Teacher Mandy Grubham stepped in to ensure that families get the food they need.

Mrs Grubham personally printed and delivered vouchers to families in need, and even made a trip to Tesco to ask for help when some vouchers weren't working at all- the supermarket allowed her to put £50 worth of food in the trolley for free.

The school also identified a number of additional families who don’t qualify for the Government’s Free School Meals but who are finding life difficult at this time.

Staff and governors raised over £800 in just 48 hours plus a classroom full of food donations to support these families.

When the school alerted parents of the new scheme, they received further donations of money and food, including a large food package from the local Morrisons store, as well as new calls for help.

On Monday morning the first family food packages were ready for collection, having been carefully cleaned and divided up for the week.

With all of the donations made, St John Bosco School is confident that they can continue this weekly scheme for the duration of the pandemic.