A LUNCH club that helps to support children living in poverty is launching in two of the city’s most deprived areas. The Chomp lunch club in Brighton launched in Easter last year and has served over 900 meals to families.

Last week Chomp launched new clubs in Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb – both of which the charity say have nearly 50% of children living in poverty.

They estimate in Whitehawk 47% of children are living in poverty and in Moulsecoomb the figure is 45%.

Chomp relies entirely on volunteers and provides a nutritious meal and a space to play for low-income families during the school holidays.

Amy Goodwin, organiser of Chomp, said during the summer holidays some families will not be able to feed their children and may be forced to skip meals.

She said: “The club is really important to people and I have found some are not just coming for food, they are coming for the sense of community which you get at Chomp.

“It is also good for the volunteers, we have various different volunteers and they enjoy coming along and giving back to the community.

“We would love to be able to help everyone but there are about 10,000 children living in poverty in Brighton and Hove. “ The new clubs will be run from St George’s Hall, Newick Road, Moulsecoomb every Wednesday, and St Cuthman’s Church, off Whitehawk Way in Whitehawk, every Monday and Friday. Both will run from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

The club at One Church, Gloucester Place, Brighton will also remain every Wednesday and Friday, 11.30am to 1.30pm.

Parent Donna Tilley said: “I come to Chomp to socialise, for the fussy eaters in the family to try new foods, for arts and crafts and to eat with new people. It helps with the cost of food. We have a big lunch here so need to eat less later.”

Volunteer Kier Barraclough, 19, said: “Each session always has a really good atmosphere.

“Obviously some of the families are going through tough times so it’s not always all fun but we know we are helping the people who really need it.

“That’s the best part of it, knowing that you are affecting things for the better.”

Ms Goodwin also said the charity is asking for volunteers to help and for local businesses to support them by giving donations.

To get involved email amy@onechurchbrighton.org or call 01273 694746.