Several Islington businesses have answered the call of football star Marcus Rashford to provide free lunches to children over the half-term holiday.
White Brothers Greengrocers, on Blackstock Road, is offering free fruit packages over half term to families eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) which include 20 pieces of bagged fruit.
John Mackie, an ex-footballer for Reading and Leyton Orient who now owns White Brothers, announced the news on Twitter after learning of the government’s decision.
“It hit home that there are people out there who are struggling”, Mackie said.
Most people interested in the offer have placed orders through Instagram and Nextdoor. Mackie said they have received a number of orders already and that it’s been “eye-opening”.
Southpaw Coffee (pictured above), also inspired by the movement, is giving out 100 free packed lunches every day during half term.
Orlando James and Charlotte Powell, the couple who run the Barnsbury coffee shop, said: “We are a family and this is an issue that is incredibly emotive and important for us. We knew we had to take direct action on this.”
James highlighted his plans for the week: “We are offering 100 bags a day and of course any child can come during our opening times and pick up a meal no questions asked – we want it as open as possible to everyone!”
“I do not need to shout out that we are in a global pandemic and it is such a disgraceful decision to have been made by the government,” James said.
In addition, restaurant The Flying Frenchman has pledged to provide local schoolchildren with free meals.
The French restaurant, located on Albion Road, announced the decision on social media: “The Flying Frenchman is stepping up like many other kind souls in the community after the disgraceful news that the Government voted to allow children to go hungry!”
The restaurant raised over £1,000 on online fundraiser Crowdfunder, with the goal of preparing 50 meals a day during half-term.
It thanked supporters for donations, announcing on its official Facebook page: “We have received enough money to feed many hungry little beasts this week. Done within a couple of hours. Merci you all, you really rock!”
Its description criticises the government and Brendan Clarke-Smith MP: “Brendan Clarke-Smith (dear Brendan) does not want to « nationalise the children » and feed HUNGRY KIDS during holidays. Well, the only national thing we see there is embarrassment (at the best).”
