Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has caused a government U-turn meaning children in England have access to free meal vouchers across the summer holidays.
The Conservative government had dismissed Rashford and many other campaigners pleas to bring the vouchers back, with the fear that over one million children across England could go hungry.
Rashford had written a detailed and heartfelt open letter to MP’s on Sunday, urging the government to reconsider their plans.
Fortunately, the government has now made the right decision and pledged an extra £120m into a ‘COVID summer fund’.
All families that qualify for free school meals because of their household income will be eligible for the scheme, which extends the £15-per-week supermarket vouchers currently given to those who cannot attend school because of coronavirus.
Here’s what Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said on Tuesday:
“The PM welcomed Marcus Rashford’s contribution to the debate around poverty, and I said he would be responding as soon as possible.
“Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the Prime Minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer.
“To reflect this, we will be providing a Covid summer food fund.
“This will provide food vouchers covering the six-week holiday period.
“Full details will be set out shortly, but this is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
“The scheme will not continue beyond the summer, and those eligible will be those who already qualify for free school meals.
“As the PM has said, it’s our intention to get all pupils back into school in September.”
Rashford, alongside many others who campaigned to inspire change, should be extremely proud of the impact they have made.
The United forward, who had his own experiences of financial struggle growing up in Wythenshawe, spoke powerfully about the matter and has used his platform for good once again.
BREAKING NEWS!
UK Government promise COVID summer school fund aimed to feed children throughout the holidays after @MarcusRashford inspiring call for change.#mufc pic.twitter.com/IqSTOcO3Z9
— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) June 16, 2020
I don’t even know what to say.
Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 16, 2020
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