Manchester United have announced that they will be delivering 5000 school meals over the October half term in support of Marcus Rashford’s #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY movement.
Rashford has gone back and forth with the UK government for the majority of 2020 and with great success.
The campaign, started by Rashford in partnership with FareShare UK, convinced the government to make a u-turn on their decisions to not give out free food vouchers to children during the summer whilst school was out.
FareShare Greater Manchester and the Manchester United Foundation have collaborated to help feed kids in need during the October half term.
Manchester United club staff will deliver meals to schools in their region.
“5,000 meals will be cooked and delivered to local school children this week thanks to a partnership between FareShare, Manchester United and Manchester United Foundation,” they said in a press release.
“Each day this week, food provided by FareShare will be processed, prepared and packaged into individual meals at Old Trafford kitchen facilities by United staff, then shipped by the club to local Manchester United Foundation partner schools.
“The schools in turn will provide the meals to children who receive government-funded free meals during term-time. Six schools are involved: Waterhead Academy, Dean Trust Rose Bridge, The East Manchester Academy, Manchester Enterprise Academy, Manchester Academy, Stretford High School. Meals will also be delivered to other local charities as part of the scheme.
“Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more families are dealing with food poverty. The impact of the virus has exacerbated an existing problem and, with unemployment rising and the economic crisis biting hard, many are struggling with reduced income. As a result, many families and children simply do not have enough food and are going hungry. This initiative does not solve the issue locally, but will make a significant difference to the lives of hundreds of families across Greater Manchester.”
Miranda Kaunang (right in image), who is the head of development at FareShare Greater Manchester, commented on their partnership with Manchester United foundation: “
“The hardship brought on by COVID-19 has presented a challenge like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Demand for food has more than doubled and we are now distributing more than 80 tonnes of food a week – two thirds of which goes to children and families.
“This partnership with Manchester United and Manchester United Foundation comes at a crucial time – it’s never been more important to ensure vulnerable children have access to good, nutritious food and we are so grateful for their support.”
Collette Roche (left in image), chief operating officer at Manchester United, also made a statement:
“With our teams back playing, the attention for many has returned to what is happening on the pitch. But our work to help support those in need has not stopped and it will not stop as we face into the winter and the restrictions continue to impact our local communities.
“Many of Manchester’s children are going hungry and they are particularly vulnerable during school holidays when they cannot benefit from the meal voucher programme. In parallel with the brilliant work being done individually by Marcus Rashford, we’re proud that the club continues to step in alongside FareShare, the Foundation and their partner schools to help fill this void.”
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