Swindon business owners are getting behind the campaign started by England footballer Marcus Rashford by offering free meals for kids during half-term.
A Labour vote on Wednesday evening to provide free school meals for vulnerable children in the UK during half-term next week was defeated by 261 votes to 322.
Since then businesses all across the country have come forward to show their support and offer free meals for kids below the poverty line – including a number of restaurants and cafes in Swindon.
Franklin’s Food in the Town Centre are working together with Swindon Wildcats in The Community (SWITC) launching a ‘Kids Pack Scheme’.
The Kids Pack Scheme is designed for children that would usual receive free school meals to ensure the parents/guardians receive the support they need. The scheme will be giving 100 child meals away every day from Monday 26th October to Friday 30th October 2020. The pack will include a sandwich, piece of fruit and a drink. Visit Franklin’s Food between 11:30am – 2:30pm to collect your meal.
Franklin’s Food owner Debra Nell said “We are pleased to be supporting such an important initiative. If you need a free meal for your child and/or children please come visit us in The Crossing, The Brunel, Swindon and ask for a ‘Kids Pack’. We are proud to be working with SWITC to support the local community in Swindon.”
Swindon Wildcats in The Community, Development Officer Dave Ridley said “This campaign is incredibly important to the community. We will be contacting local schools and groups we have worked with over the years to raise awareness. If you are a parent or guardian struggling without the free school meals during the school holidays, we hope the Kids Pack Scheme will be a huge help to you.”
To collect a FREE kids meal visit Franklin’s Food store in The Crossing, The Brunel Shopping Centre29, Swindon, SN1 1LF. The Kids Pack Scheme is based on trust and no questions will be asked, ask for a ‘Kids Pack’ upon collection and the transaction will be as discreet as possible.
Other venues offering free meals during the school half term:
Brunch Club – in conjunction with NB Foods, they will be offering 50 free packed lunches between 24h – 28th October
Britz Fish and Chips – Sausage or fishcake and chips will be on offer to all under 16’s in need of a meal between 12-2pm during the October Half Term
Howellers Spike Bar, Broome Manor – Over half term they will provide a lunch bag with a sandwich, drinks piece of fruit and crisps that can be collected from the cafe. Call 01793 379584 to arrange pick up.
Sugar Shack Cakery and Mylo’s Lunches will be setting up in Wharf Green offering a free lunch to those that need it between 12-2pm Tuesday 27th October – Sunday 1st November
Tapperz Soulfood, Rodbourne – A free lunch is available to all in need – call 07763 776880 so the lunch can be prepared.
The Village Hotel, Shaw – a free lunch is on offer daily between 12-3pm 26th – 30th October
Gorse Hill Tearooms – A free lunch will be on offer between 11am – 1pm Monday to Friday for those that would normally receive free school meals.
Patriot Arms, Chiseldon – a free lunch pack is on offer for children in the upcoming half term
Weighbridge Steakhouse – will feed any school child who requires a packed lunch and can pick it up from our restaurant Monday to Friday next week , simply drop us an email to info@weighbridgeswindon.co.uk
