Bristol independents offer free meals for children in poverty during half term

Bristol independents offer free meals for children in poverty during half term

Posted on: 26 Oct 2020

Business owners across the city have committed to providing free meals for struggling families.

 

Independent business owners across Bristol have taken to social media to offer a range of free meals and services during school holidays for children in poverty.

 

Inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford's campaign to tackle child food poverty in the UK, restaurants, bars and cafes in Bristol have committed to providing meals to children who usually receive free school meals during term time.

 

The move comes in response to a recent government vote against an extension of the Free School Meals programme, which, if passed, would have allowed children access to free meals during half term and Christmas holidays.

 

 

Independents across the greater Bristol area have launched their own free meals initiatives for the current October half term, supporting struggling families amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

 

Gloucester Road bar The Gallimaufry have confirmed they'll be offering free lunches throughout half term, including a reheatable meal, drink and a snack, available for collection or delivery. 

 

Bishopston Supper Club, also located on Gloucester Road, are providing free packed lunches for kids during half term, available to anyone who needs them. Find out more and get in touch on their Facebook page.

 

Independents in the city centre, Patchway, Portishead, Clevedon, Nailsea, Keynsham, Long Ashton, Thornbury, Emersons Green and Saltford have also offered their support.

 

Find a comprehensive list of businesses providing free meals during half term, with contact details, opening times and collection or delivery information, on this interactive map.

 

 

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees has also committed to ensuring children have access to food throughout the school holidays, providing support for local charities Feeding Bristol and FareShare South West as they work to tackle food poverty in the community.

 

In a statement posted on Twitter, Rees said: "We've come together with Feeding Bristol [to make] sure that a food safety net is put in place, so that our most vulnerable children and their families are not left to fall through the gaps."

Read more:

 

Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.