Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley businesses back Marcus Rashford's campaign to help feed hungry kids

The Manchester United and England striker’s campaign to end child food poverty calls for an extension of free school meals to 1.4 million more UK children, an increase in the value of Healthy Start fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers for pregnant women on low incomes, and an expansion of charity-led holiday hunger schemes.

However, on Wednesday MPs voted against the Labour motion to offer free school meals during holidays until Easter 2021 by 322 votes to 261. Since then, cafes, restaurants and local organisations across Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley have promised to feed children in the school holidays, despite the industry struggling to survive coronavirus restrictions.

So, where can vulnerable children go for free meals this half term? Here is a list of food places who have decided to help:

Usha Restaurant, Rossendale Road, Burnley, will be providing free cooked meals for those that need them this half-term from Monday to Friday, until October 30th. There is a choice of either chicken biryani or vegetable biryani. People are asked to pre-order via text stating name of child and choice of veg or chicken before 3pm each day. Collection is from the restaurant on Rossendale Road between 5-6pm. For more details, please text Adnan on 07889571717.

Sandwich City, in Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley has also offered to help hungry kids during half term.

Burnley Bees Padiwacks are offering a free packed lunch from 11am to 6pm from 1 Wyre Street in Padiham. Staff have kindly asked families to ring the door bell and maintain social distancing. For more details about the packed lunch and who it is available to, please log onto www.padiwacks.co.ukChildren in Nelson, Brierfield and Colne struggling during half term are being offered free meals - regardless of race or religion - by the Nelson Community Mosque. A mosque spokesman said: "Almost one in two children in Pendle are living in poverty. As a result we know many families across Pendle are going to be struggling this half term. If your child is receiving free school meals and you are struggling to support them with food please get in touch. We believe every child regardless of race or religion deserves a good meal. No one should go hungry.

"We can deliver a free meal for your children during half term time in October. We will be covering Nelson, Colne and Brierfield. Please call us on 07873 282580."

Meanwhile, all children will eat free in the school holidays and on Saturdays at The Secret Garden Cafe, in New Market Street, Clitheroe. A cafe spokesman said: "We only ask with this that if possible people can leave a small donation whether that be a penny or pound and all proceeds will go to the chosen charity ‘feedingBritain’."

Bambinos Boutique Daycare in Garnett Road, Clitheroe will be preparing and delivering hot/cold meals for children in need and who normally access free school meals and who are currently struggling financially within Clitheroe and the surrounding areas. Please message Tami on 07525452723 or Matt on 07714829505. Government guidelines for social distancing will be followed.

Do you know of any other businesses or organisations taking part in this campaign? Please e-email [email protected]