Chesterfield FC Community Trust will provide free school lunches over half-term following Marcus Rashford campaign

Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford has been campaigning for free school meals to be extended into school holidays recently, with many local authorities and businesses stating their aim to help in whatever way they can.

A petition in support of the England international’s campaign even garnered over 200 signatures from people in Chesterfield.

Now, Chesterfield FC Community Trust have now announced they will do what they can to help ‘families in our region who will struggle to put food on the table’.

Keith Jackson, the Trust’s head of sport and activities, said: “We know there will be families in our region who will struggle to put food on the table for their children during half term, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We felt we had to support those families. This is about our town pulling together and looking after each other. We will do everything we can to make sure no child in Chesterfield goes hungry this half term.

“Local businesses and friends of the Trust have offered to lend support, which is a great help.

“Lifehouse Church – a valued partner of the Trust – are backing the project and they have arranged for Jacksons The Bakers to provide 100 sandwiches, 100 sausage rolls and 100 muffins every day, which is fantastic.

“We are also grateful to Tesco, Print Digital Media and The Corrugated Case Company Ltd for their generous support.”

A number of places across Chesterfield have announced the same intentions, with Chesters Fish and Chip shop and The Boythorpe Fryer just two of the hospitality establishment in the town offering free food to those in need over half-term.

A statement from the Spireite Trust said that lunches, which includes a sandwich and a snack, will be available to collect from Chester’s Den play centre from 12pm to 2pm every week day during the half-term break.

The Trust has said that the free lunches are available for ‘any child currently receiving free school dinners but also, in exceptional circumstances, others who need support at this time.’

The club have also said that anyone anyone interested in volunteering should [email protected].