Most people would have heard by now that MP Kit Malthouse voted against free school meals, and has been publicly shamed by Prof Green.
Professor Green posted on his social media , “Clearly never gone a day without a meal in his life, but is one of many who’ve voted against free school meals. Growing up there was a lot of stress in my household, most of it due to a lack of money (despite my Nan working three jobs). We earned our poverty, so to speak. My Nan used to get vouchers for my powdered milk and then when I started school I had tokens to get my food each day. It wasn’t something that was even a point of discussion, let alone division. It just was. Now imagine the stress for a child and his family where that might be the only hot meal a child gets that day. These MP’s wouldn’t cut their wages (the opposite in fact – they accepted an above inflation pay-rise), but during a pandemic when we’re seeing a rise in unemployment they quite literally want to steal food from children. Pigs like this man @kit_malthouse , and 299 others. Can anyone who voted for this party honestly tell me they stand by this? It’s inhumane. I can’t get my head around the shamelessness of these people.
The goverment is no longer offering free school meal vouchers through any more school holidays
There is local help available for families that are struggling to feed their children in Andover.
Andover Foodbank
They don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why they provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in a crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK. Visit their website here for further details
Local community Pantry
There are two here in Andover, The RCS – Community Pantry , you can read more about them here and The YMCA commuity cupboard further details on them can be found here
The Cafe Bridge
They are running a , “pay it forward” scheme. Further details about that can be read here.
They have posted on their Facebook page , “As some of you may be aware at the cafe Bridge we have a pay it forward scheme, you can pay for a strangers coffee or lunch and you can also redeem one of our post it notes if you need a coffee or hot meal.If you are struggling in half term to feed your children and yourselves please please come to us… You can come in and choose a post it note from our board by the till and we will provide you and your children with lunch..no questions asked. (we might ask if you would like ketchup) We have to adher to the recent regulations so if the cafe is at capacity we can offer you lunch to take away. We are open Mon-Fri 9.30am-2pm. We are all in this together “
Local Andover business offers help
Donna Jackson of Andover aesthetics has arranged with a selection of local businesses to donate £30 vouchers to help struggling families. Give her a call if you need help. Her number is 07824709598.
The Queen Charlotte, Andover
Monday – Friday between 12 – 1pm they are giving away 10 free children’s meals each day.
You must book for eating in or taking away, first come first served and proof that the child would normally be in receipt of free school lunches will be required. Please call 01264 748946 for details and booking
Throughout half term they will be delivering packed lunches to any child that needs them, no questions asked. These will include a sandwich (cheese or ham), a packet of crisps, a cupcake, a piece of fruit and a carton of juice. If you or someone you know is in need of something to feed their children please message them via their facebook page here, this will be completely confidential, They can leave these packed lunches at the door, inside the back gate or in another safe place if you wish. They can deliver in and around Andover. Please just send them a message, with the address, number of lunches needed, and the day/days you want them delivered.
For every adult meal purchased you have the opportunity to purchase a kids meal for£1 which they can either box up for you to takeaway and give to the child who needs it, or you can donate the meal so they can give away to other children that needs it.
Each day during this half term they are offering 20 half sized baguettes (filled with either Tuna Mayo or Ham & Cheese) for any child in need aged 12 & under. They had a very generous donation from Mr J Mcnab and this will add a further 20 portions per day.
The lovely people Kenyon’s Fruit & Veg at Weyhill have donated some fruit to them too. Please give them a call on 01264 362944 to order. These will be available to pick up during these hours: 10:00-11:00am and 1:30-2:30pm
They are making up some FREE healthy packed lunches, for those who need them .If you, or someone you know, really needs one less thing to worry about; please whitehart.andover@marstons.co.uk and they can arrange a time for you to come and pick one up the next day.If you are looking for a reasonable treat over the week they are also offering kids meals at just £1 with eligible purchases.
The Rockhouse, Andover
They are working on logistics currently but hopefully it should be pop in to collect in the day between 1300 -1400 or they will allow families to sit in and eat, Or they will just supply takeaway meals. Give them a call to find out further details on 01264 335005
No child should go hungry
