Devizes teen launches summer lunch drive

A 14-year-old in Devizes launches a summer lunch drive to aid families who would normally rely on free meals.

Devizes teen hands out free lunches to kids over summer

A 14-year-old boy named Buddy, living near Devizes in Wiltshire, has started a summer lunch scheme to help children who would usually receive free school meals during term time. He makes packed lunches three times a week in his home kitchen, with food partly provided by local business sponsors and the rest funded by donations from the public through his website and Facebook page.

Buddy says the project makes him feel happy to help others, and the effort aims to ease some of the pressure on families while schools are closed for the holidays. The lunches are handed out in Devizes, illustrating how local networks can mobilize quickly to fill gaps left by the school term break.

The story highlights how individuals, even young people, can spark meaningful community action. It shows a positive use of local sponsorship and digital fundraising to address a real need when schools shut for the summer. The outcome depends on ongoing support and effective coordination among volunteers, sponsors, and residents.

At the same time, it raises important questions about sustainability, safety, and governance. Relying on donations and sponsors can be fragile, and meals prepared in a home kitchen may need clear safety practices as the project grows. Community leaders and policymakers may look for ways to back similar efforts with formal guidelines and safe oversight.

Highlights

Time will tell whether this model sticks beyond the season