School meals project launched after MPs vote down Rashford's plan
A city councillor has launched a project to help feed deprived children over the half-term holiday.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi has teamed up with local businesses to provide food parcels to families in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton.
It comes after Conservative MPs voted against a Labour motion to back Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford's scheme to extend free school meals for all holidays until next summer.
Councillor Momenabadi is calling on families who need support over half-term to contact her, as well as local firms or individuals who may be able to help out.
She announced the scheme before Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield revealed the council would be funding free school meals for 16,000 children.
The Labour councillor said: "The Government's decision to let some of our most deprived children go hungry in the worst pandemic and recession of our lifetime is unimaginable.
"But, I want to do something about it so I've team up with local organisations to ensure no child in my ward goes hungry.
"I've had floods of messages from ordinary local people who also want to help, whether that's to deliver food parcels or purchase food items for these children.
So, if you are a family or know a family who will be hard it by the Government's decision to let our children go hungry this half term and you live or go to school in Ettingshall then get in touch with me."
The project is being run with the support of Fit Fast Fitness on Stafford Street and foodbanks including the Elias Mattu Foundation and Excel Church.
Since Wednesday's vote dozens of businesses across the country have offered to feed children over half-term, including Greenfields Farm in Telford and Bowring Park Café in Wellington.
To get in touch email bevforettingshall@gmail.com or call 07973665182.
