The Merchants House of Glasgow is delighted to announce an award of £20,000 to St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation to support delivery of its Fit & Fed programme. 

Fit & Fed is a free, community-based holiday camp that combines football, activities and nutritious food for children and young people across Paisley and Renfrewshire. The project aims to reduce the impact of child poverty among children and young people living locally. It tackles the issue of “holiday hunger” by providing children with access to healthy meals and positive activities across all ten weeks of the school holiday period. 

Without this intervention, many children would face increased risks of isolation, poor wellbeing and criminal exploitation. The programme offers a safe, structured environment combining football, games and nutritious food, whilst also supporting parents and carers through practical guidance, workshops and signposting to local services. This helps families access relevant advice, reduce pressures during the school holidays, and feel better supported.

The £20,000 grant from the Merchants House will help ensure that children most affected by poverty can access regular healthy meals, take part in physical activity, and benefit from positive social experiences during the school holidays. Outcomes will include improved physical and mental wellbeing, reduced food insecurity, increased confidence and resilience among participants, and stronger links between families and local support services.

St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation is the charitable arm of St Mirren Football Club and works to improve lives across Paisley and Renfrewshire. The Foundation delivers a range of community programmes focused on tackling poverty, improving health and wellbeing, raising aspirations and supporting families facing disadvantage. Through close partnership working with schools, referral agencies and local organisations, the Foundation ensures its support reaches those who need it most and creates lasting, positive change within the community.

This grant has been funded through our Regular Giving programme, which backs a wide range of groups making a real difference across Glasgow and the West of Scotland. Can you help us support some of the most vulnerable people in our community by setting up a regular donation?

There’s no minimum amount, and the scheme is open to everyone. Simply visit the Donate section on our website, choose your preferred donation amount and frequency, and amend it at any time. Thank you!