Marcus Rashford has become a credit not only on the pitch for Manchester United, but off it as public figure fighting for children living in poverty in the UK.
The United forward has demanded that the UK Government ends child poverty after launching a public petition detailing how the important social issue can be eradicated.
Remember when I said I was going to need your help…
For the millions who do not have the platform to be heard.
Let's stand as a 'United' Kingdom to #endchildfoodpoverty
Sign the petition today: https://t.co/FvvpO6JYWX
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) October 15, 2020
Rashford, 22, joined United’s famous youth academy in 2005 and has since gone on to become a star first-team player.
His most prolific season came last term when had 33 direct goal involvements in 44 matches across all competitions.
After teaming up with Fareshare earlier this year, a scheme designed to ensure that community’s most vulnerable do not go hungry, Rashford has also been the driving force behind the UK Government’s U-turn on their decision to end free school meals over the summer months.
Rashford’s social efforts to improve living conditions for the country’s most vulnerable have seen him awarded with an ‘MBE’ from the Queen, as per BBC Sport.
Asked about the honour, United manager Solskjaer said (via Manchester Evening News): “Oh well, we are extremely proud once again that Marcus gets this recognition and I’m sure his family and Marcus must have enjoyed that. For me, as his manager I know how great he is as a person and how much he cares for others. Extremely proud and just want him to carry on his good job on and off the pitch.”
🚨 Solskjaer on @MarcusRashford 🗣
"We are extremely proud once again that Marcus gets this recognition…"
"For me as his manager I know how great he is as a person and how much he cares for others." pic.twitter.com/69RZiDvEul
— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) October 16, 2020
Rashford’s petition which can be found here which states:
“Covid-19 has been tough on us all but Government should ensure children don’t pay the price:
– 14% of parents & 10% of children have experienced food insecurity over the last 6 months
– 32% of families have lost income as a result of Covid-19
– Demand for food banks this winter is predicted to be 61% higher than last.
With the Child Food Poverty Taskforce, I am calling for Government to allocate money to
– Expand free school meals to all under-16s where a parent or guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefit
– Provide meals & activities during all holidays
– Increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers to at least £4.25 per week, and expand the scheme.
These 3 recommendations must be implemented without delay to #endchildfoodpoverty.”
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