A Cheltenham greengrocer is providing fruit and vegetables at cost price as part of a new box scheme aimed at low-income families.

Woody’s Fruit and Veg is supplying the produce throughout the school holidays, through an initiative set up by Cheltenham Borough Council. It aims to help families whose children would normally receive free school meals continue to eat healthily during summer.

The £2.50 boxes will be packed by volunteers, and delivered to 28 families in a mini bus provided by supported housing provider Stonham Home Group.

Delivered four times during the holidays, the boxes also include recipe tips for healthy meals and leaflets about nutrition.

‘’Over 1500 children in Cheltenham have free school meals, which can be a helpful money saver during the school terms but it does mean that when it comes to the holidays, there is an extra meal to make each day, which can add up when money is tight,” said council project officer, Abbey Smith. “These boxes are a great way of ensuring that these families can still enjoy a variety of fresh fruit and veg throughout the summer months.’’

Sam Ferris, health improvement practitioner at Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust said: ‘’Ensuring that families have access to at least five portions of vegetables and fruit per day throughout the summer holidays is definitely a positive step as it helps to encourage healthy eating habits.’’

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