Dozens of local pubs, restaurants, cafes and community groups in Leeds have stepped up to offer free school meals for local children during half-term after MPs rejected a campaign started by footballer Marcus Rashford. A vote on the measures was backed by Labour and made its way to Parliament this week but it was defeated by 322 votes to 261. Since then, hundreds of hospitality businesses across the country have shown they “stand with Rashford, not the 322”, by supporting families during the school holidays. These are the Leeds restaurants, businesses and community groups which have pledged to help:
1. Mumtaz
Children aged between 4 and 16 can get a free chicken or vegetable biryani from the Chadwick Street restaurant from Sat October 24 until Sun November 1. The hours to pick up food are between 5pm and 6pm. Mumtaz asks that children under 12 come with an adult.
2. Prashad
The Drighlington restaurant is not offering food, but has asked any families who are struggling to reach out via their Facebook page for support: https://www.facebook.com/prashadrestaurant/
3. Little Bao Boy
Children under 16 can visit the Asian street vendor at North Brewing Co Taproom, in Sovereign Square, between 3pm and 4.30pm during half term to collect a free bao bun and fries.
4. Little Red Food Truck by Sela Bar
Sela Bar's hot dog truck has offered to work with schools or organisations in Leeds to hand out free lunches for children during half term
5. Carol's Confectioners
The family-run cafe in Bramley will make at least 30 free packed lunches a day from Monday to Friday during half term to help struggling families, who should message the page on Facebook. Collection will be from 11am to noon. Photo: Google
6. The Wheatsheaf
The pub is offering to donate free packed lunches to children who need them in Sherburn in Elmet and the surrounding villages. They are looking for a volunteer driver to help with deliveries. The meal is a main course, a homemade pudding, juice and treats.