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:
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Ozgur Babat, owner of the Portofino restaurant, with a food box which they will be handing out free during half term (Photo: PA Wire/Danny Lawson)
. 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.
. 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/
. 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.
. 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
. 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
. 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.
7. Morley Salvation Army
Morley Salvation Army is offering help to families who are struggling over half term, call 01132380422 or email [email protected] Photo: Google
8. The Needless Inn
The Morley pub is offering free packed lunches for struggling families during half term. Available Monday to Friday, each child receive a sandwich, a packet of crisps, snack and a piece of fruit plus a drink. Message the Facebook page to order: https://www.facebook.com/Theneedlessinn Photo: Google
9. Charities at St Peter's Church Morley
A group of charities have joined together to provide food packages with school dinners during half term. Based at St Peter's Church in Morley, message Joshuwaa Sturgeon for information on drop off times: https://www.facebook.com/joshuwaa.sturgeon
10. Whiteheads Sandwich Shop
Education centre The Learning Curve has joined with two Farsley cafes to provide lunches for children during half term. The centre has pre-paid for a sandwich and drink for children who have free school meals. Go to the cafe and ask for a free child's lunch ticket if your child is eligible Photo: Google
11. The Loft Coffee Shop
Eligible families can also receive a free lunch ticket paid by The Learning Curve at The Loft Coffee Shop, located at Springfield Mills Photo: Google
12. Ecco Pizzeria
The restaurants in Headingley and Roundhay are offering free pizza for parents who are struggling to provide meals for their children during half term. Message the restaurant on Facebook or Instagram