Posted on 9th Aug
The Salvation Army in Newark is launching Toasties Café, designed to feed the community and foster connection during the summer holidays.
Opening from 18th August, it will run for two weeks, Monday to Friday, 12noon to 2pm, at Mead Way, Balderton, NG24 3GA, offering free meals and fun activities for children.
With the cost of living still hitting many families hard, the Salvation Army said Toasties Café is stepping in to make sure no one goes hungry or feels alone this summer. For £2, adults can enjoy a toastie and a hot drink, while children eat free with no need to purchase an adult meal.
Captain Sarah O’Grady, Corps Officer of Salvation Army in Newark, said: “We know that the summer holidays can be an especially challenging time for families. When routines change, costs go up, and the pressure to keep children fed and entertained can feel overwhelming.
“Toasties Café is our way of saying, ‘You don’t have to do this alone.’ It’s a space where families can gather, enjoy a warm, affordable meal, and where children can laugh, play, and just be kids. Best of all, children eat completely free — no referrals, no booking, no questions asked. Just turn up and feel welcome.”
Alongside a tasty lunch, visitors can take part in free indoor activities, including basketball, table tennis, pool, and football, making the café a great place for families to relax and play in a safe, supportive space, plus there is also a toddler corner for little children to play.
More than a third of parents (35%) plan to skip meals so their children can go to a holiday club, according to a new survey by The Salvation Army.
The snapshot survey also found of those parents asked:
36% cannot afford to pay for childcare over summer.
36% said they can’t afford to take time off to care for their children during the summer break.
30% will not be able to afford to take their children on any sort of holiday*
The Salvation Army in Newark offers a welcoming space throughout the week with a variety of activities, including a community warm space, monthly lunch club, charity and book shop. For more information on activities from The Salvation Army in Newark, follow it on Facebook.
