Rach Warwick, who coordinates Orison around the UK has helped start another initiative getting LUNCH provided over the summer holidays for children in need in the UK!

The website www.makelunch.org.uk tells the story:

"On 7th June, the BBC screened a documentary called Poor Kids. Made by Jezza Neumann at TrueVision, the programme showed what life is like for the 3.5million children who live in poverty in the UK. Three children from different areas of the country were the narrators, covering various aspects of life including housing, income, holidays and food.

It's not available to watch on iPlayer at the moment but BBC Three will be showing the programme again on 27th July at 9pm. In the meantime, you can read a blog by the director. It's also available to buy on DVD from TrueVision, or track down a poor quality version on youtube. I'd recommend watching, especially if you were shocked to read that there are children living in poverty in the UK.

Sam, Paige and Courtney's honest account of life was moving and hugely challenging. It's hard to watch children facing difficulties and not be left feeling that something must be done to change things. But 3.5 million children is no small number, and it's the tip of the iceberg, representing families who are struggling with debt, unemployment, addiction... the list is endless. There's no one simple problem here, not one single reason for all these instances of child poverty and therefore no simple solution.

During the programme, 8 year old Courtney shows us what's in her fridge - a bottle of milk, some margarine and 2 bottles of medicine. Later she talks about what she eats during the day: Courtney: For dinner we have a big version of a sausage roll
Interviewer: What about breakfast?
C: Nowt. Cos I sometimes forget to make myself some toast or something or we're going to be late for school.
I: Do you ever go without lunch?
C: I go without dinner when I'm at home but when I'm at school I get dinner. I have tea when I'm at home but I sometimes go without dinner because my mum hasn't got enough money and she owes people money.

According to the documentary, 1 in 5 children from low income families say they sometimes go without food. Children from single parent families are twice as likely to miss meals.

Later on in the programme, 11 year old Sam tells us that ..." MORE

If you want to help happen you can read more and give towards our 2011 appeal HERE!