Fish King in North Hykeham, Lincolnshire were inspired by Marcus Rashford’s national campaign to extend free school meals which was initially rejected by the government in October.
During the October holidays, Fish King offered a free meal every lunch time to children who were entitled to free school meals.
This included the option of Fishcake and Chips , Sausage and Chips or Chip with any choice of sauce.
A staff member from Fish King said: “We decided to offer free meals to try and help support the community, we are living in very strange times and this has had a huge effect on some families.”
“Through the week we have had some very grateful customers, they were in need of a helping hand and they have said that thanks to the generosity of numerous businesses they haven’t felt the pressure that they were dreading through the half term.”
Rashford campaigned for free school meals over the holidays to be extended until Easter, 2021. However, it was was rejected by 322 votes to 261, a majority of 61.
Fish King published a Facebook post in response to the rejection of Rashford’s campaign which said: “During these trying times no one wants to see any child going hungry, so at fish king we have decided to do what we can to help out.”
This was liked and shared by over 100 people on Facebook along with comment showing their support for what Fish King is doing in the community.
After a successful campaign during the October half term. the government has now promised to offer an extra £170 million of extra funding for free school meals to eligible children during the Christmas holidays.