Last week, a Labour motion calling for the free meals scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by 261 votes to 322 in the Commons.
Despite the struggling climate the Covid-19 crisis has caused the hospitality industries, businesses across Northumberland are doing what they an to ensure no child goes hungry during the half-term holidays.
Here is a list of 18 eateries and what they are doing to support families….
(If your business is doing something similar please get in touch with us on the Gazette’s Facebook page)
1. Lal Khazana, Shilbottle
Any child aged between 4 to 16 years who are entitled to free school meals can come to Lal Khazana between 5.30pm to 6.30pm from Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30 to collect a free vegetable or chicken biryani and a vegetable curry sauce. Closed Tuesdays. Please send a message in advance on its Facebook page or call 01665575880 in confidence. No purchase necessary to qualify.
Head chef Mohammed Ali said: "We are doing this to do our part to support young children and families in our community who truly need support. No child should go hungry. We stand with Marcus Rashford not the 322." Photo: supplied
2. The Vale Cafe, Rothbury
The Vale Cafe in Rothbury is offering a free hot/cold meal, each day, to any child in receipt of free school meals in the surrounding area.
Owner Steph Bruce said: “Everyone is struggling at the minute and there are going to be kids going without food so we just wanted to help out.” Photo: Google
3. The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick
The Blue Bell Inn, Alnwick, is making breakfast buns for any kids who might need a top up, all takeaway from the pub between 10am and 12pm.
Morrisons have also provided lunch packs for children on half term, these are available today from the front of the pub. Photo: supplied
4. Bertram's, Warkworth
Bertram's in Warkworth is offering a free packed lunch to any child who needs it.
It posted on Facebook: ‘The government have unfortunately voted against providing free school meals for children who desperately need them during school holidays.
‘Whilst we don’t usually get involved with politics as a business, if we can help local families in need we will.’ Photo: JW