Northampton theatre and popular caterer team up to offer free meals for children this half term

After the continuation of free school meals was voted down by MPs, there has been an outpouring across the country of businesses offering food for youngsters
By Carly Odell
Published 23rd Oct 2020, 13:20 GMT
Updated 23rd Oct 2020, 13:23 GMT
The local theatre is helping out the community next week.The local theatre is helping out the community next week.
The local theatre is helping out the community next week.

A popular caterer has teamed up with a local theatre to offer free lunches to school children this half term.

Tom Hewer will be working in partnership with the Royal & Derngate next week (October 26-30) to make sure those children who rely on school meals are still able to access lunches during the break.

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The generous offer comes after MPs - including both who represent Northampton - voted against the extension scheme for free school meals during school holidays.

As part of the partnership, a lunch bag consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit, a drink and treat can be picked up from John Franklins in Guildhall Road between 11.30am and 12.30pm Monday-Friday next week.

The Derngate took to Twitter to announce its plans, which has been retweeted by end child poverty campaigner and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

The tweet says: "FREE KIDS MEALS. We can’t do a lot but we can do something!

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"If you'll struggle without school meals this half term please come & collect a lunch bag from us. With kind support from @tomhewercaterer.

"If any local businesses want to support us by donating anything for the lunches please get in touch. Thank you! #endchildfoodpoverty."

CEO of the theatre, Jo Gordon, added: "Just the smallest of gestures but our bit to help."

The team is asking anyone who intends to pick up a lunch bag to email [email protected] in advance.

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Related topics:DerngateMPsNorthamptonMarcus RashfordManchester UnitedTwitter