Jackpot winner buys school meals

A LOTTERY winner who scooped €54 million on Euromillions has found a novel way to help their community – they are funding the local school canteen every year.

The donations from the sponsor, who remains anonymous, have benefited more than 250 children from Saint-Michel, a small town in Charente.

The pupils at the maternelle and primaire schools receive free meals as well as a free snack (goûter).

The benefactor has donated over €70,000 paying for the meals each year since 2009 and has saved each family around €400.

One parent said: ‘’The children eat really well here, sometimes better than they would at home, so they’re happy.’’

Members of the kitchen staff have seen the canteen change over time.

A cook said: ‘’Since it began, we definitely have more children coming to eat here.’’

Frozen products have been banned from meals as the donation has led to better quality food.

The cook added: ‘’We spend more time in the kitchen and work a lot with fresh and organic produce.’’

Photo:Flickr/Thomas Leuthard