Home Economy UK Government Turns Back on Marcus Rashford Free Feeding Plan

UK Government Turns Back on Marcus Rashford Free Feeding Plan

by Nwani Chisom
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UK Government has cancelled all attempts from football star, Marcus Rashford to extend the free school meals scheme to include half-term and Christmas holidays.


Oyogist.com learned that Rashford, had earlier launched an online petition, calling on the Government to support vulnerable Children in the society as part of the #endchildfoodpoverty campaign.

Rashford’s latest proposal was dodged by the Government on Thursday, reason being that the government said they have no plans to offer further direct support.

“We took that decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic, when schools were partially closed during lockdown. We are in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils,” said a Government spokesperson.

“It’s not for schools to provide food to pupils during school holidays. We believe the best way to support families outside of term times is through Universal Credit, rather than schools subsidising meals.”

Rashford, while responding to the Government, tweeted thus:

“Merry Christmas kids… It’s also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are. 250% increase in food poverty and rising… This is not going away anytime soon and neither am I…”

The online petition called on the Government to allocate a sufficient budget to the three National Food Strategy recommendations, as part of an urgent recovery package for vulnerable children this autumn.

“For too long this conversation has been delayed. Child food poverty in the UK is not a result of Covid-19. We must act with urgency to stabilise the households of our vulnerable children,” Rashford said as the petition was launched.

“In 2020, no child in the UK should be going to bed hungry, nor should they be sat in classrooms concerned about how their younger siblings are going to eat that day, or how they are going to access food come the holidays.

“The school holidays used to be a highlight of the year for children. Today, it is met with anxiety from those as young as seven years old.

“Many have said that education is the most effective means of combating poverty. I do not disagree with this statement, but education is only effective when children can engage in learning.

“Right now, a generation who have already been penalised during this pandemic with lack of access to educational resources are now back in school struggling to concentrate due to worry and the sound of their rumbling stomachs.

“Whatever your feeling, opinion, or judgement, food poverty is never the child’s fault. Let’s protect our young. Let’s wrap arms around each other and stand together to say that this is unacceptable, that we are united in protecting our children.” He concluded.

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