A vital project helping ensure young people in parts of Pembrokeshire are receiving nutritious food and exercise has helped support more than 2,000 children, it has emerged.

‘Fit and Fed’ is an initiative spearheaded by Sport Pembrokeshire and supported by the Bluestone Foundation, the charitable arm of Bluestone National Park Resort near Narberth, which is again backing the project for a fourth consecutive year in 2025.

This vital initiative is tackling holiday hunger and inactivity head on by providing nutritious meals and exciting physical activities for children in Pembrokeshire's most underserved communities.

Building on the success of its first two years, ‘Fit and Fed’ has seen remarkable growth, with a 62% surge in attendance. Over 2,000 children aged between two to 18 years of age enjoyed hot meals and participated in 162 hours of physical activity in the last financial year alone. It is estimated more than 4,000 have benefited since the project’s inception.

The project specifically targets the areas of Haverfordwest, Pembroke, Milford Haven, and Fishguard, which are identified as facing the most significant challenges.

“It's inspiring to witness the difference 'Fit and Fed' is making in the lives of these children," said Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone.

“The Bluestone Foundation is dedicated to supporting projects that empower young people, and 'Fit and Fed' embodies this commitment perfectly. We’re so proud of the positive impact its making.”

The Foundation's £1,500 investment in 2025 will help the programme expand its reach and enhance its services.

This funding will ensure children receive healthy meals and snacks, fuel a diverse range of sports and games, and strengthen collaborations with key local partners like Milford Youth Matters, The Tanyard Pembroke, and The Edge Youth Centre, Haverfordwest.

“Fit and Fed is a great example of what can be achieved when communities come together. With Sport Pembrokeshire, local youth organisations, and the Bluestone Foundation joining forces, the initiative is creating a brighter future for children and families across Pembrokeshire,” added Marten.

The Bluestone Foundation has supported Fit and Fed with £5,500 support since its inception.

Matthew Freeman, Sport Pembrokeshire Manager, said: “The Bluestone Foundation's contribution is invaluable.

“The project is making such a difference to so many young people and families in the area. Provision targets our most disadvantaged children and families from ages 2-18 years and there is currently no cost to the provision at all for children. Current delivery is across all school holidays.”

The project hopes to apply for additional funding from the Community Lottery Trust to expand it.

Looking ahead, the project is seeking additional funding through the Community Lottery Fund Wales. This funding would enable the expansion of delivery partnerships and broaden the provision to include term-time support, further enhancing its capacity to meet the needs of vulnerable families across the region.

Launched in 2010, the Bluestone Foundation has a proud history of supporting Pembrokeshire communities. It has distributed over £250,000 in grants to projects promoting economic, social, and environmental well-being.