Rotarians and students cook up new initiative to help local families

Rugby Rotary Club, schools, food parcels
Patricia Davis is pictured with Roberta Harrison, headteacher at Harris School in Rugby.

Rugby Rotarians have joined forces with Ashlawn School pupils for a new community initiative aimed at supporting local families struggling with the cost of living.

The 4 For Four project – designed to feed a family of four for five evenings – involved the school throughout every stage of the process, from sourcing the ingredients and packing the bags to designing the recipe booklet and producing a step-by-step visual guide to cooking instructions.

The completed food parcels include a bespoke recipe booklet featuring a QR code which takes the family to a step-by-step video tutorial of the meal being prepared, ensuring the process is accessible and enjoyable.

Last week they were collected and delivered to four schools by members of Rotary Club of Rugby – including Henry Hinde, Rugby Free School and St Oswalds CofE Academy – for further distribution to local families in need.

Rugby Rotary Club, schools, food parcels
Jodie Bradgate of Rugby Free School with Rotarian Richard Avery.

Tricia Davis, President of the Club, said: “Involvement in helping the community is an important part of the ethos of the school and it was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm with which the students greeted the challenge.

“These resources will ensure that families not only receive the ingredients but also the guidance needed to prepare affordable, healthy meals with confidence.

She added: “Food For Four is about more than providing food – it’s about education, empowerment and community collaboration. By working together we are not only supporting families in need but also giving students a valuable opportunity to contribute positively to their local community.

Rugby Rotary Club, schools, food parcels
Joanne Flaig and Mandeep Mann at Henry Hinde School.

“The initiative combines creativity, education and community spirit to provide practical support for families while engaging students in meaningful, real world learning. This joint venture reflects the strong partnership between Rugby Rotary Club and Ashlawn Schoo and highlights what can be achieved when education and community organisations work together for a shared purpose.”

The project followed a visit to the school earlier in the month by four Rotarians who also presented a certificate to two Year 7 students, Hannah Kirubakaran and Hanan Samuale, who designed the winning logo for the project.

Natasha Booth, Assistant Principal at Ashlawn School, said: “4 For Food is about more than providing food – it’s about providing education, empowerment and community collaboration. By working together, we are not only supporting families in need but also giving students a valuable opportunity to contribute positively to their local community.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Rugby visit HERE.

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