By Chris Wearmouth 
Coventry Rugby Foundation’s landmark Feed:500 initiative is continuing into the February half-term, providing much-needed food packages to some of the city’s families in need.
Launched in summer 2019, Project:500 was originally aimed at giving children from such families an opportunity to get active during the school holidays, with days at Butts Park Arena filled with fun and games, along with nutritious breakfasts and lunches.
However the impact of the pandemic highlighted the need for this to be expanded, and over the most recent Christmas break the Coventry Rugby Foundation partnered with Morrisons Holyhead Road and Mirius to provide families with two weeks of food, and the cleaning products they needed to keep their homes safe against Covid-19.
Along with these packs the Foundation ran a three-day multi-sport activity camp at Butts Park, utilising the artificial pitch and the range of equipment which the Foundation invested in during the summer.
Unfortunately the restrictions of the current lockdown means that the multi-sport camp will not be able to be held in February. But, as recent headlines have shown, the need for healthy and nutritious food packages remains as high as ever, and the Foundation will be working with local schools to identify those children and families whose need is the highest during these uncertain times.
“With no end to the pandemic, the lockdown and the worsening impact on families, there is an increased need for Feed:500 to continue and we had no hesitation in extending the initiative into the February half-term,” said Coventry Rugby Foundation manager, Hal Sparke.
“We were taken aback by the response we had from families during the Christmas period, who would otherwise have struggled to put healthy food on the table. Many of them were very emotional and grateful for the support that we were able to give them, and it highlighted the need for us to continue initiatives like Feed:500.
“Coventry Rugby has been at the heart of the city’s community for nearly 150 years, and through the Foundation we are able to expand this away from just the rugby pitch.”
Project:500 and Feed:500 would not have been possible without the support of a number of individuals and companies, not least Countrywide Tax and Trust, Charter Savings Bank, Coventry Scale and the Coventry Rugby Supporters Club.
If you or your company is able to help support some of the city’s families in need then please contact Eddy Perez-Reyes via epreyes@coventryrugby.co.uk
This does not have to be financial, but can also be through value in kind support, donations of time or transport, or any other means that can help make a difference, and every gesture is gratefully received.
