A bid to extend free school meals for the poorest children over the school holidays was defeated in a Commons vote on Wednesday evening (October 21).
The bid, tabled by Labour, was defeated by 322 votes to 261 - with a majority of 61.
It came after Number 10 ruled out pleas from MPs to support Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford’s campaign to guarantee meals during holidays for the poorest children as the pandemic's second wave hits.
He wanted the Government to agree to feed more than 1.4 million children during school breaks until Easter next year. Mr Rashford was successful in forcing a u-turn on the same matter earlier in the year.
He wrote on Twitter: "A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry but feeling like they do not matter because of the comments that have been made today."
Following the defeat, a number of businesses across the county have offered to plug the gap by offering free food to kids.
Which businesses have we missed? Let us know in our Facebook comments.
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1. Box Kitchen, Fishergate
Box Kitchen in Fishergate will be offering children a free lunch time meal of chicken, fries and a sauce. They said: "We recognise the huge impact the pandemic has had on families. Many of our customers have lost their jobs and are experiencing great financial difficulties. "We were gobsmacked when MP’s announced yesterday that they were rejecting the free school meal plan for pupils during the October half term break.
"As a proud member of this local community, the team at Box Kitchen want to offer a helping hand. Next week, we will provide school aged children with a free lunch time meal of chicken, fries and a sauce."
2. Skippers of Euxton, Talbot Row
If you call the Skippers of Euxton at lunchtime next week they will give you a free children's sausage and chips (offer limited to one per child per day). They said: "As the government are not providing free school meals over half term many fish and chip shops are offering to step in and we thought we would do the same. "If you call into the shop at lunchtime next week we will give you a free children's sausage and chips."
3. Top Cafe, Ribbleton Lane
Top Cafe will be starting a breakfast club from next week (October 26). They will also be providing a packed lunch which includes a sandwich, drink, snack and a piece of fruit. They said: "It seems that the government cannot afford to help out struggling families during half-term but us as a small business with the generosity of our amazing customers we can.
"Hope you all enjoy your time off with the kids, the best we can in uncertain times, and stay safe." Photo: Google
4. Oh My Cod, Spendmore Lane
Oh My Cod in Spendmore Lane has decided to offer free chips to those in need in a bid to make sure no child goes hungry. All children have to do is pop into the shop, with a parent if they're too young, between midday and 2pm and ask for a free cone of chips.