Find out which Tunbridge Wells restaurants and cafes are supporting local families in need by providing free meals this half term!
A group of independent hospitality businesses in Tunbridge Wells and West Kent have banded together to support low-income families who are not benefitting from free school meals during the half-term break.
Following the Government’s recent decision not to extend meal vouchers in England over the holidays, local restaurants and suppliers are taking it upon themselves to help their communities, by preparing and delivering 350 free meals to foodbanks in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.
Please note – Food vouchers are available during the October school holiday if your child is eligible for free school meals. You can receive one £15 voucher per child. Apply for holiday food vouchers.
The reactionary initiative was launched by Sankey’s owner and operator Matthew Sankey in Tunbridge Wells, and has also recruited other popular venues from surrounding areas, including Pembury, Tonbridge, Matfield, Kilndown, and Goudhurst.
In addition to Sankey’s, the participating eateries are The Small Holding, Verdigris, Fuggles Beer Café, and Sulston’s Kitchen, along with The Mount Edgcumbe, the Camden Arms Hotel, The Hopbine Inn, 65mm Coffee, and The Star and Eagle, all of whom have signed up to offer assistance.
Food deliveries are already underway, with the 350 lunches and dinners en route to nearby foodbanks. Sustain at Tonbridge Baptist Church, F.E.A.S.T at Tonbridge Methodist Church, and Nourish Community Foodbank in Tunbridge Wells are included in the targeted drop-off points locally, as well as St Mark’s Church,St Philip’s Church, and Tunbridge Wells Baptist Church.
Alongside chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and publicans, industry suppliers have similarly answered the call. Food containers have been provided by Penhurst Fine Foods, while BDP Media in Tunbridge Wells have printed packaging labels, both free of charge.
Once the food is delivered, the designated foodbank collection points will be distributing to neighbouring families and households over the course of the half-term week.
Additional venues in Tunbridge Wells offering free meals this half term include the following…
The Inside (in Calverley Grounds, Tunbridge Wells)
Laura from The Inside (the gorgeous child friendly cafe in Calverley Adventure Grounds) is offering free meals this week for those who need it. There are lunches and dinners on offer, a mix of what they already offer at The Inside, as well as some take-home gorgeousness. Laura has joined forces with ‘At Dads Table’ and The Bicycle Bakery to further support this. From today (Tuesday) they’ll be cooking up a lentil and beef storm – (recipe and donation from @at_dads_table) served with some amazing garlic bread from @the_bicycle_bakery. To order all you need to do is email laura@the-inside.co.uk – subject line ‘Half term’ (message via IG, or text her on 07970547796) and tell her whether you need lunch (sandwiches and their infamous picnic in a park box) or dinner. Let her know of any dietary requirements and which day(s) you would like to collect. Or if collection is an issue, let her know too.
