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The Manchesters restaurants now offering free kids meals in the school holidays
This is amazing.
Restaurants up and down the country have stated they will offer free meals for children throughout the school holidays.
Following the news that MPs voted against Marcus Rashford’s campaign to extend free school meal vouchers through to Easter next year, some restaurants have taken things into their own hands.
The plan was defeated by a majority of 61 (322 to votes to 261).
6.3% of children are worried they will go hungry in the upcoming October half term, and more than 1.4 million children are currently experiencing food insecurity, according to Food Foundation.
Astoria bar in Urmston took to Instagram yesterday to announce that they will be offering all children free meals over half term.
The post said: “In response to the government’s refusal extend the free school meals across half term for vulnerable children ALL children over the half term, 26/10/20-20/10/20 will be entitled to any dish from our kids menu, for free, between 9am and 3pm.”
They added, ‘share wherever you can to help as many in need as possible’.
Similarly, The Courtyard in Wigan took to Facebook yesterday to announce that they will be providing free kids meals.
They added, “Let’s be honest they’re probably not gonna get 1 of their 5 a day here with our menu but we can fill their bellies.”
“his is available with complete discretion, we have to greet everyone at the door due to Covid guidelines so just quietly mention you’ve come for a school meal and we’ll provide what we can. You don’t need to buy anything yourselves, just let us help you if you need it next week.”
The Facebook post has racked up over 10,000 shares and almost 4,000 likes of support.
Khandoker Didsbury has also announced they will be happy to put together a hot meal.
In a Facebook post they said: “Voting against free school meals for kids in poverty is inhumane. If there are any parents struggling to feed there kids don’t be ashamed.”
Their news became one of the many shared by Marcus Rashford on his Twitter where he said: “Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term. Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know”
Jo’s place in Wilmslow have reached out to parents and carers in the surrounding area who are offering free breakfasts or lunch to to those who will struggle without a the scheme.
Baker’s Tea Room in Bolton said: “We’re behind Marcus Rashford no parent should ever struggle to feed their children. Baker’s are offering free grab bags for all children on free school meals during half term. Please call us or message us and we’ll have their lunch ready to go from 12pm that day”
Minikin Art Cafe tweeted to say: “We will be providing a free hot baked potato with beans, fruit, snack & drink to the children of any families that may be feeling the pinch this half term.
“Whatever the situation, it’s NEVER the child’s fault.”