A new interactive map has been launched to help families find out where kids can eat for free over half term, following footballer Marcus Rashford's continued efforts to ensure youngsters don't go hungry.
On Thursday (22 October), MPs voted against a motion to extend free school meals during the half term break amid the Covid-19 pandemic, but Rashford fought back by sparking a social movement - using the hashtag #endchildfoodpoverty to encourage pubs, restaurants and cafes to offer free meals during the half term break, while also lending at hand at the FareShare warehouse with his mum.
The support 22-year-old Rashford has managed to rally has been overwhelming, with sites across the country coming forward to help.
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And now Joe Freeman, the man behind the website allkidsmatter, has pulled together all of these places and collated an interactive Google map, so that those in need can find out the spots near them taking part in the initiative.
"A map of restaurants helping out kids this half term," a description explains.
"Hats off to Marcus Rashford. List taken from Marcus' tweet listing names and locations, as well as venues submitting their help."
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Rashford has thanked the many businesses that have pledged to help out, tweeting yesterday to say the 'superstars of this nation lie in local communities'.
He said: "Even after taking the biggest hits you have wrapped your arms around your community to catch children as they fell.
"I really can't thank you enough, you're amazing."
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The Manchester United forward was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) earlier this year for his activism, having long fought to help those affected by child poverty
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, he said: "Growing up we didn't have a lot, but we always had the safety net of the community. That community was my family. When we stumbled, we were caught with open arms.
"Even at their lowest point, having felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, local businesses have wrapped arms around their communities today, catching vulnerable children as they fell.
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"I couldn't be more proud to call myself British tonight. I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
"You want to talk about 'celebrities' and 'superstars', look no further than my Twitter feed and that's exactly what you'll find."
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: UK News, News, Marcus Rashford
