Cheap meals for under-16s and pensioners have been running since 2022, but not everyone knows about them
ASDA has extended its cost-of-living support for children and pensioners until March in three of their Cardiff superstores.
The scheme allows under-16s to eat a hot meal in any of their cafes for £1 with no minimum adult spend. Over-60s can grab soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee for the same price.
Despite the scheme running since June 2022, and widespread need due to the cost-of-living crisis, the scheme has not been as well used as might be expected.
“The £1 meals are just for children under-16 so my family cannot use it so I won’t be. I think it is a good idea though,” said Sasha Monk, from Pontprennau.
“Asda can afford to introduce at least one meal for £1 that everyone can have, no matter of age.”
According to Welsh Government data, 23.6% of children aged five to 15 are known to be eligible for free school meals. This is an increase of 0.7% from April 2021.
The Welsh Government was the first in the UK to offer whole primary school classes free school meals in April 2020. Their aim is to provide every child of primary school age with free school meals by 2024.
The Asda scheme offers an extra layer of support during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The scheme is available in all the supermarket’s cafes in the UK, which includes three in Cardiff: Pentwyn Superstore, Leckwith Superstore, and Coryton Superstore
“As a Local Councillor I recognise the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, I would like to thank Asda Pontprennau for their response in providing the £1 meals for kids and winter warmer meals for older people,” said Peter Littlechild, Councillor for Pontprennau and Old St Mellons.
“I think the work the Asda Foundation are doing is fantastic, providing grants to local community groups to help with increased fuel and food costs. Holly, our community champion is excellent, approachable, and helpful and I’d encourage community groups to get in touch and check if they are eligible to apply for help. Thank you to all the staff at Asda Pontprennau for the ongoing service they provide to our community.
“If you are struggling financially there is help available from Cardiff Council, you don’t have to be on benefits or in Council property, you can call the Money Advice Team on 02920 871 071”, said Coun. Littlechild.
Initially, Asda set up the scheme to help families deal with the pressures of inflation. They estimate that they have served 1.2 million children and over-60s since they started.
According to the company’s income tracker, UK households are £107 a month worse off in November 2022 and will continue to decline with rising cost-of-living. In response, they have decided to extend their help schemes.
“We know that as families head into the New Year, the pressures on household budgets will continue – but we remain as committed as ever to supporting our customers tackle tough times. Our café initiatives have already proven a lifeline for over a million customers since we launched them last year, and we hope to support many thousands more into 2023, alongside our ongoing support for emergency workers and our valued colleagues,” said Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner.
