South Shields chippy offers free meals to children during half term

Smith’s Chippy, in Ocean Road, is backing Manchester United and England football player Marcus Rashford after the Government voted not to extend the free school meals during holidays.

Earlier this week, a Labour motion calling for the free meals scheme to be extended over school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by 261 votes to 322 in the Commons – with five Conservative MPs rebelling to vote with the Opposition.

Smith’s Chippy will provide a free meal to ‘any child who needs it’ over the Autumn half-term break.

Posting the news on social media on Friday, October 23, a spokesman said: "Unbelievably 322 MPs went against the vote to give school children free meals over school holidays.

“As a result of this we at Smith’s Chippy will provide a free meal to any child who needs it in our community during half-term.

"We’re with Marcus Rashford on this one! If you know anyone that would benefit from our offer please let them know.”

The meals – which include chips and sauce, and chips and sausage – will be available between 12pm and 3pm from Monday to Friday.

The Ocean Road takeaway has received a wave of praise on social media.

One use wrote: “How kind is this. Well done to you all. A great gesture.”

Another said: “What a lovely thing to do. We need to support local businesses like yours.”

England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford vowed to keep campaigning to extend free school meals over the holidays after MPs voted against the motion.

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