Following the government’s decision not to continue the free school meals over the half-term break, local businesses have stepped in to provide food for those who need it the most.
Over the summer holidays, those children who would normally receive free school meals at school were also provided with free meals during the summer holidays.
Parliament voted down the Labour motion to continue the scheme to provide the meals with Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford backing a campaign to provide the free meals. Parliament voted 322 to 261 against the motion with local MP’s John Glen, Kit Malthouse, and Danny Kruger all voting not to provide the free school meals.
To make up the shortfall a number of local businesses have stepped up to the mark, below you can find details of who is helping and how you can contact them if you need it.
There4U
There4U are providing free packed lunches from their Amesbury offices. Call them on 01722 774444 and they will make a packed lunch(s) for your child. You can then collect from their offices on Solstice Park between 12 and 2. Any allergies must be disclosed when calling.
Kludo and Inc
Kludo and Inc have teamed up with There4U. For every hot drink bought in the Milford Street venue, they will donate £1 to There4U’s lunch funds. Staff members will also be assisting to pack the lunches. Children will also be offered free hot chocolate during the week.
George & Dragon
The Castle Street based George and Dragon are offering kids meals this week from Monday to Friday.
Tinga
The popular Mexican restaurant run by Dave & Aimee Hancock on Salt Lane is offering a free lunch bag from Monday to Friday. Arrive between 12 and 1 to pick up your lunch pack.
Popeyes
The Escourt Road based take away are offering free evening meals that will be available to collect between 4 and 6 pm until Sunday, November 1st. You can order by phone and just quote Free Kids Meal. You can order any kids’ meal options on the menu. You will also be able to add a pot of beans or a side salad as well as an Orange or Apple & Blackcurrant Fruit Shoot.
Clown About
Clown About at Outburst will be offering a free meal to eligible children from Monday 26th to Friday 30th October. To order please private message them on Facebook in advance with your choice of a hot or cold meal. They also give the option to have food for the full duration.
Cottage Loaf
The Cottage Loaf bakery in Fordingbridge is also helping out, they say; if you are struggling and attend one of the Fordingbridge schools please call us on 01425652460 and we will make your child a packed lunch for free. Please call before 10 am for a lunchtime collection.
Tesco (Southampton Road)
Thanks to Community Champion Gilbert, Tesco Extra on Southampton Road are offering free lunch bags all week. Each bag contains the items required to make a child’s lunch; White Break, Ham, Cheese, Jam, Butter, Banana, Crisps, Water and Frube. You just need to go along to store to collect a free bag.
Wiltshire Council
Wiltshire’s vulnerable children will benefit from free meals during October half-term after Wiltshire Council agreed to ensure families struggling with food poverty in the county are supported. For more information on how to claim, please contact the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub Team on wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 0300 003 4576. The team is available Monday to Friday between 9 am-5 pm.
If your business is offering free meals for children during half term, please let us know so we can add you to our list and let people know. Please email news@salisburyradio.co.uk
