While the government voted to not support free meals for children in need during the school holidays, Gloucestershire businesses have stepped in – generously offering free meals for families struggling financially, whilst promising discretion and ‘no catches’.
The #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign popularised by footballer Marcus Rashford has received growing support, with a flood of offers to help families struggling to feed their kids amid the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
This October 2020 half term, SoGlos’s journalists have found as many local businesses offering free meals for children as possible – with eateries across Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean and Gloucester taking part so far.
Please note, this article will be updated on an ongoing basis. Email info@sopublishing.com to let us know about any other local businesses taking part.
Cheltenham businesses offering free children’s meals
Simpson’s Fish & Chips in Cheltenham is running a kids eat free offer at lunchtimes during the October 2020 half term. There’s ‘no catch, no purchase necessary’, just bring your children into the takeaway between 12pm and 2pm, from Tuesday to Friday, for a free kids meal per child with you.
Next door to Simpson’s, Cheltenham cafe Fuel is offering a free packed lunch from Tuesday to Friday of the October half term. Pop by between 11am and 2pm, to collect.
Popular independent Chinese restaurant 288 Bar & Wok in Cheltenham is offering a free click and collect lunch for children during the October 2020 half term week. The owner Pak said email pakwai@barandwok.com in advance and he will ‘quietly sort it for you.’
Huffkins was one of the first local businesses to offer free meals for children locally, stating on social media that ‘during half term we will provide a free lunch to any child in need’. Parents or guardians can email charles@huffkins.com in strict confidence to arrange a collection at its Cheltenham tearoom.
While kids under 10 already eat free with a paying adult at The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham, the Sri Lankan restaurant is going one step further during the October half term and also offering free takeaway lunches for kids up to the age of 16, with no purchase necessary. Pre-order by 11am for collection at 12pm from Monday to Sunday.
Cotswolds businesses offering free children’s meals
As part of Marcus Rashford’s campaign, The Chipping Norton Teaset is offering a free packed lunch for kids who usually receive a free school meal at its independently-run tearooms in Chipping Norton and Broadway, Tuesday to Thursday from 10.30am to 12pm.
Huffkins was one of the first local businesses to offer free meals for children locally, stating on social media that ‘during half term we will provide a free lunch to any child in need’. Parents or guardians can email charles@huffkins.com in strict confidence to arrange a collection at its Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold tearooms in the Cotswolds.
The Priory Inn in Tetbury is making packed lunches for families to collect. Email info@theprioryinn.co.uk to arrange a collection time.
Igloo on Castle Street in Cirencester is giving away 10 free kids’ breakfasts every morning during half term, from 9am to 11.30am Monday to Saturday, and from 10am Sunday, on a first come first serve basis.
Forest of Dean businesses offering free children’s meals
The Farmer's Boy Inn in Longhope is joining Marcus Rashford’s campaign to feed hungry kids during the half term, from 11am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday during the October half term. The owner Phil Kiernan says there are ‘no restrictions, no judgments, no questions asked’ with a packed lunch provided for any families that may be struggling.
Gloucester businesses offering free children’s meals
As well as offering 200 free lunch bags for families to take away, Guru Coffee House in Gloucester is also giving away 200 hot meals in-house for kids in need during the October 2020 half term, from Monday to Saturday. ‘Please come in, if you are in need’ owners say.
Stroud businesses offering free children’s meals
Local food charity, The Long Table, is stocking their ‘freezers of love’ with wholesome food that kids will enjoy during the October half term, including ‘hidden veg’ pasta; sausage and mash; meatballs and rice and Hobbs House sausage rolls; as well apple tray bakes. The freezers are located in Brimscombe; Thrupp; Cashes Green; Paganhill; Minchinhampton; Stonehouse and Chalford – and are free or ‘pay what you feel’.
Dubbed the ‘world’s greenest football club’, Forest Green Rovers Football Club has said it will be providing free meals for children in the Nailsworth area during the October half term.
Simpson’s Fish & Chips in Stroud is running a kids eat free offer at lunchtimes during the October 2020 half term. There’s ‘no catch, no purchase necessary’, just bring your children into the takeaway between 12pm and 2pm, from Tuesday to Friday, for a free kids meal per child with you.
