The owner of a chip shop offering budget-friendly £1 children’s meals to families facing financial challenges has expressed her astonishment at the overwhelming response the initiative has received.
Mel’s Chippy, located in Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, has been extending this offer since the commencement of the summer holidays. Entrepreneurs Sarah and Mel Lewis, who are at the helm of the establishment, have been able to serve an impressive tally of more than 250 discounted dishes within just under a month.
In a heartening demonstration of community spirit, both patrons and fellow businesses have rallied together by contributing monetary donations and food items to sustain the scheme.
Building upon her earlier benevolent gesture of distributing complimentary soup in October, Sarah Lewis, a seasoned community worker of 48 years, recognized the opportune moment to undertake a subsequent endeavor. Reflecting on the astounding uptake, she remarked, “It’s mad. We never expected the take-up to be so crazy.”
Situated in an area characterized by a higher proportion of families whose children receive free school meals, the initiative aims to alleviate the strains that can arise during the six-week summer vacation. The break can pose significant challenges for parents grappling with financial constraints.
Sarah Lewis elucidated, “So those six weeks off can be really tough on those mums and dads who might be having a hard time making ends meet. And, with fewer council-run assistance programs in operation compared to the Covid period, we’re simply endeavoring to provide a modest easing of the burden for people.”
One notable facet of the initiative is the deliberate avoidance of social stigmatization often linked to certain forms of food aid. The Lewis duo has conscientiously ensured a hassle-free process, avoiding bureaucratic hurdles and forms. As Sarah Lewis explained, “Kids can just pop in and say they want a £1 meal and that’s just what they’ll get.”
In a bid to cater to diverse tastes and avoid monotony, Sarah Lewis diligently rotates the offerings on the budget-friendly menu. Recognizing that some families are regular patrons, she remains committed to preventing culinary repetition. Beyond the quintessential chip fare, her culinary repertoire spans pasta, curry with rice, and meatballs with mash. To provide a well-rounded meal experience, each dish is accompanied by a piece of fruit and a beverage.
Sarah Lewis expressed her aspiration that grassroots initiatives like this one, characterized by collective efforts, can instigate a ripple effect that resonates with those in positions of influence. She hopes that such endeavors can compel positive changes for the greater good.
