List of businesses giving away free school meals during half-term in Northampton

Dozens of amazing Northampton businesses have pledged to pick up the tab and ensure no child goes hungry during the school holidays.

England and Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford led a huge campaign to provide 1.4m English children with £15-a-week food vouchers during holidays until next Easter.

But after Labour proposed it in the House of Commons last week it was voted down by 320 Conservative MPs, including Northamptonshire's representatives.

Following a public backlash a huge number of businesses and charities have stepped in to offer support to those families who need it the most.

Northamptonshire County Council figures show that the number of children claiming free school meals as of 16th October 2020 was 16,770, compared to 13, 526 claims as of 16th October 2019, an increase of 23.9%.

If you a parent whose child is entitled to free school meals during the holidays, then the businesses listed below should be able to help your child this week:

- Saffron, in Castilian Street, is offering a complimentary lunch to families on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Families simply need to contact the restaurant in advance on 01604 630800 and then pick up lunch.

- The Wheatsheaf, in Weedon, is offering Weedon families a freee packed lunch each day through the October half-term to collect at 11am at the High Street address. Message the Facebook page or texting 07956961527.

- Homemade By Victoria, in NN5, is offering 100 families a free packed lunch on Tuesday only, which will be delivered to your door. Call or text Victoria on 07943 060262.

- Kings Park Trampoline Centre, in Moulton Park Industrial Estate, is offering children a free lunch bag between Monday, October 26th and Friday, October 30th. Collection only. Contact [email protected] or call 01604 645120 to order.

- Hungry Horse, in Sixfields, is offering a hot meal, a pudding and a dessert to children free of charge. Collection only. Contact the pub through Facebook private messenger.

- The Copper Kitchen, Hardingstone, are putting together free packed lunches between Monday and Friday, for collection from Hardingstone or delivery Wednesday, October 28th or Friday, October 30th in Hardingstone and Duston, only. Email [email protected] to place an order.

- The Royal & Derngate, town centre, is providing children with a free lunch bag, which can be picked up from John Franklins in Guildhall Road between 11.30am and 12.30pm Monday-Friday. The team is asking anyone who intends to pick up a lunch bag to email [email protected] in advance.

- The Old White Hart, in Far Cotton, is not charging for children's meals on their menu to anyone who is struggling through the half-term week. Food can either be eaten in or taken away. Email [email protected] or call 01604 709990 to book.

- Jenny's Restaurant, Brackley, is helping families on low income by providing them with a hot children’s meal from their menu free of charge all week from 11am until 1pm.

- The Pytchley, in West Haddon, is offering children in the village a free takeaway lunch all week. Evidence of free school meals is needed. Available for collection between 12pm and 4pm daily. Contact the pub directly through their website www.thepytchley.co.uk, or message their facebook page.