Despite a negative parliamentary vote recently, the government has now responded positively to Marcus Rashford’s School Holiday Free School Meals campaign by pledging over £400 million to support Britain’s poorest children.
- The government will provide a £170 million package of support with at least 80% of the funding earmarked to provide help with food and bills to councils to run the scheme over the winter until the end of March 2021.
- The holiday food and activities programme is also to be expanded with another £220 million investment which will cover Easter, Summer and Christmas in 2021.
- In addition to funding for these schemes, there will be a £16 million cash boost for the nation’s food banks.
The proposed move will mark the second time the government has switched their stance in response to Marcus Rashford’s moving and inspirational campaign in partnership with food charity FareShare after the government’s earlier change of mind resulting in £120 million to extend free school meal vouchers for Britain’s most disadvantaged children over the summer holidays.
Marcus Rashford said that the scheme would improve the lives of almost 1.7million children across the country. Sharing the brilliant news on social media he said: “Following the game today, I had a good conversation with the prime minister to better understand the proposed plan, and I very much welcome the steps that have been taken to combat child food poverty in the UK” adding that “The intent the government have shown today is nothing but positive and they should be recognised for that”.
Aratrust says: “Well done, Marcus! Your commitment and persistence are inspiring!”
