When the Government announced that schools and other community organisations would have to close their doors indefinitely due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the academy knew this would be worrying news for the local community and wanted to help.

Principal  Bob Speight said “There are many unknowns in the coming weeks and months, but we are keen to do everything we can to support this project and help the community get through this challenging period. While we are doing all we can as a school to support our students’ learning and wellbeing during this period, we know we have to also reach out further.

The academy is lucky to have fantastic catering facilities and a true professional in chef Ricky Hodgson, who was willing to combine his vital role as Head of Year 10 with the leadership of this project.”

When the Government announced that schools and other community organisations would have to close their doors indefinitely due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the academy knew this would be worrying news for the local community and wanted to help.

Principal  Bob Speight said “There are many unknowns in the coming weeks and months, but we are keen to do everything we can to support this project and help the community get through this challenging period. While we are doing all we can as a school to support our students’ learning and wellbeing during this period, we know we have to also reach out further.

The academy is lucky to have fantastic catering facilities and a true professional in chef Ricky Hodgson, who was willing to combine his vital role as Head of Year 10 with the leadership of this project.”

Chef Ricky, who has been leading the efforts in the kitchen, said: “To be in a position to help out in any small way in the community I have been a part of for many years is really important to me”. Also amongst the team is long term BACA community member Carly, who said “This collaboration is an essential way of maintaining our great work and continuity whilst supporting our local community at such a hard time.” Senior Student Manager Adam Smith added “I feel that the school has and always will be a pivotal part of the community. When we can, we will help.”

The meals are made in the academy’s catering kitchen and are produced from surplus food ingredients and fresh produce, coordinated and delivered to BACA via the Bevy, from Fareshare Sussex, Brighton Food Factory and other local organisations. The team  then provides a contact-free, doorstep delivery service of these meals, tinned goods and other essentials to families in need.

“We have seen a great response to our efforts so far and we intend to continue to do as much as we can to support those in need” concluded Bob Speight.