Somerset responds to Marcus Rashford's holiday hunger campaign
Somerset continues to respond to footballer Marcus Rashford's campaign to end holiday hunger - with different groups providing support.
Last updated 30th Oct 2020
Yeovil football club has been trying to stop children going hungry during the current half-term by giving out free hot meals yesterday at Huish Park.
It comes as Somerset County Council's announced a £125,000 fund to help feed families during the winter.
Sharon Hartley, chef for Yeovil FC, said: "I think it's very important within the local community at the present time - many people are actually struggling through not only finances but through Covid as well.
"This is just to put a little bit of support into the community for somewhere where they can come and relax and the kids have something to eat.
"People do need support in these difficult times and we're just giving a little bit to the community as we are a family club - and we want people to realise that."
Somerset County Council is urging families in need of urgent food supplies to contact the county's coronavirus helpline and confirmed it is increasing efforts to provide more school holiday support with a £125,000 scheme.
At the same time the Tory-run council says it continues to lobby government for further funding.
Currently the council works alongside community organisations and businesses to provide meals and food for families most at need.
Families who are struggling can contact the Somerset Coronavirus Helpline, run by all councils in Somerset, to ask for support. The number is 0300 790 6275.
With demand likely to increase throughout the winter school caterers are expected to produce 26,000 meals by Christmas - thanks to the additional funding.
Partners Fareshare are hoping to bring 140 tonnes of food to supplement Somerset’s community groups and food banks.
“I am so glad we have had the foresight to prepare for the really significant challenge to come this winter and that is where are efforts will continue to be made,” said leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill.
“We have a strong and sustainable plan in place that will help many thousands of children get the food they need, when the need it.
"I am determined that this council will do all it can to prevent children going hungry through this very challenging Christmas and winter period. And that plan has the backing and support of our amazing community groups – and also business leaders in Somerset.
"I can’t thank them enough for stepping up in crucial time for our children.”
During the two-week Easter holidays, more than 1,000 school hampers were supplied to school children in need by the county council.
During the summer holiday the government funded the £15-a-week cost per pupil for free school means.
The full cost of providing this service through all school holidays is around £2.2m – currently the government funding for all coronavirus food support including distribution is around £500,000.
“We are already lobbying government to increase this level of funding," said Cllr Fothergill.
"It is an issue that has been raised and I am sure government are looking closely at helping counties like our own."
There are currently 11,000 pupils in state-funded schools in Somerset eligible for free school meals – around 15% of the school population