LOCAL FIRMS FEED FAMILIES IN NEED
FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN
HULL businesses are offering continued support to families in need of free school meals.
It comes after Hull’s MPS accused the Government of insensitivity towards the country’s most vulnerable children by rejecting the notion to extended meals into October half term.
Councillor Margaret Pinder, Labour leader, said: “As councillors, we are dismayed that the Government has decided not to help, and we are all unified in our willingness to do what we can.
“Levels of child poverty are increasing as the coronavirus crisis continues, and we are not going to give up on the children that are going to bed hungry.
“MPS who voted against extending free school meals for vulnerable children during the holidays have made a morally reprehensible decision, and if we can put things right for Hull families struggling this half term, we will do that.”
Newland Fisheries are offering free school meals for children, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Owner Marie Robinson said: “I was on free school meals myself when I was a child, and now my children are, too, so I understand the necessity.
“I decided because it is so high in demand to create fish and chips for everyone, regardless of if they have allergies or not.”
Newland Fisheries creates gluten-free batter, and uses tofu for vegan dishes, as the business does not want any child to be deprived of food.
Independent councillor Ian Gow said: “We are all united to help those in need in our town, especially our children.
“If people are struggling to put food on the table for their kids this week, get in touch with businesses who have offered support and they will organise for the meals to be brought to you.”
The Pig & Whistle in Beverley has partnered with the Beverley food bank to provide food boxes for families.
James Allock, owner of Pig & Whistle, said: “Other restaurants seem to be just adding a free meal on to parents’ meals. If I’m honest, I don’t think that’s right as it just makes the parents feel bad if they can’t afford it.
“We want to offer children a variety of food which will add to their stockpile, and provide relatively healthy dishes, which is why we choose to work with the food bank.”
The popular restaurant has created a Justgiving page – www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/thepigandwhistle – to help fund its food packages.
So far, James and his team have successfully raised almost £2,000 over their target.
“This isn’t just a thing for half term, we will continue to work with the food bank and families throughout the rest of the year at tough times such as Christmas.”
The Pig & Whistle asks people who are collecting food parcels to get in contact first, to ensure their parcel is prepared on time and there is enough for everybody.
Beverley Town Council has joined forces with the business to ensure that no children go hungry in the town.
Councillor Denis Healy, Lib Dem leader, said: “A number of hospitality businesses in Beverley are showing so much generosity by providing free kids’ takeaway meals to families who need them this half term.
“Councillors from Beverley Town Council felt it was important to do what we could to offer financial support.”