Council backs campaign to end child food poverty

Two boys at primary school learning about time with teacher and clock

Rotherham Council will support families across the borough by funding free school meals during next week’s half-term holiday.

The Council has informed schools of the decision today and is finalising details on how the scheme will be rolled out in the next few days.
 
Councillor Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Rotherham Council said: “Inspired by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to end child food poverty and following the Government’s decision not to support free school meals over the half term holidays, we cannot stand by and watch children in Rotherham go hungry.
 
“This is a time of great uncertainty for many families across our borough and with the new tier three restrictions coming into force this weekend, we know that this will lead to greater financial hardship for some of the borough’s poorest families.
 
“The financial pressure on all Councils, especially at this time, is greater than ever but no child should go hungry. Not ever.”

Published: 23rd October 2020