Sysco Ireland backs major expansion of holiday hunger programme across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
L-R (Front Row:) Aobh, Maria, Lily
(Back Row:) Kyle Greer Development Chef at Sysco Ireland, Jean Stanley Head of Sustainability at Sysco Ireland, Dr Ernest Purvis Head of Policy at Children in Northern Ireland
Sysco Ireland has announced a £50,000 investment to grow its partnership with Meals & More, increasing the number of supported holiday clubs from five to 35 by 2026.
The move marks a significant step in addressing food poverty and social isolation during school holidays.
Thousands more children to benefit
The expanded programme will reach more than 1,000 children at each stage, offering access to nutritious meals alongside structured activities designed to reduce inactivity, loneliness, and emotional stress.
Food provision is also set to rise sharply, with 42,500 meals planned for 2026/27—almost triple the 14,700 meals delivered in 2025.
To support the rollout, Meals & More will broaden its delivery network beyond its existing partnership with Children in Northern Ireland (CINI), bringing in two additional partners: the Healthy Living Centre Alliance (HLCA) and Feeding Britain NI.
Beyond meals: tackling isolation and opportunity gaps
(L-R) Aobh, Lily and Kyle Greer Development Chef at Sysco Ireland
Now in its tenth year, Meals & More has already delivered more than 2.5 million meals across the UK, growing from just three clubs in 2015 to over 400 nationwide.
But organisers say the programme’s impact goes far beyond food.
Clubs provide safe, structured environments where children can learn, play, and stay active during school holidays—offering stability for families and helping reduce the wider effects of poverty and isolation.
Leaders highlight impact and ambition
Mark Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Sysco Ireland, said the expansion reflects a deeper commitment to supporting communities:
“Sysco is proud to support Meals & More as they expand vital support across Northern Ireland from 5 to 35 clubs. This growth will ensure more children and families have access to nutritious meals when they need them most. Beyond funding Meals & More, we are collaborating more closely with Children in Northern Ireland to find practical ways to enhance their programmes.
“In February, in partnership with CINI, we hosted a careers day to bring the world of work to life for some of the young adults in their clubs. This was the first of many events and we look forward to growing our partnership and creating even more meaningful opportunities for the children and families we support.”
L-R (Front Row:) Matylda, Maria, Mimi
(Back Row:) Jean Stanley Head of Sustainability at Sysco Ireland and Kyle Greer Development Chef at Sysco Ireland
Sam Payne, Managing Director of Meals & More, said the expansion represents a step change in delivery:
“We’re incredibly excited about what this expansion makes possible for children and communities across Northern Ireland. Growing from five to 35 clubs is not just about scale, it’s about building a smarter, more collaborative model that delivers healthy meals, reduces isolation and creates positive holiday experiences for thousands of children.
“Support from partners like Sysco Ireland allows us to accelerate our vision and take bold steps forward as Meals & More continues to grow.”
Long-term commitment to tackling food poverty
Looking ahead, Sysco Ireland says it will continue to support the programme’s growth while exploring further initiatives aimed at tackling food poverty and creating opportunities for young people.
As the cost-of-living pressures continue to impact families, the expanded network of clubs is expected to play a vital role in supporting communities across Northern Ireland—particularly during school holidays when many children lose access to regular meals.
At a glance
Sysco Ireland is investing £50,000 to expand Meals & More in Northern Ireland
Holiday clubs will increase from 5 to 35 by 2026
Programme will support over 1,000 children at each stage
Meals delivered will rise to 42,500 in 2026/27 (up from 14,700)
Delivery network expands to include HLCA and Feeding Britain NI
Meals & More has provided 2.5 million meals across the UK
Clubs offer meals, activities, and safe spaces during school holidays
Initiative aims to reduce food poverty, isolation, and inactivity
Further expansion and community initiatives are planned
