Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford writes open letter to MPs urging them to continue food voucher scheme during the school holidays: ‘I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity’
- Marcus Rashford has been very active in charity work during coronavirus crisis
- The England striker has helped supply three million meals to vulnerable people
- Rashford helped raise over a massive £20million in financial and food donations
- Now he has urged MPs to continue food voucher scheme during school holidays
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Marcus Rashford has pleaded with the Government to keep providing free meals for vulnerable children during the school holidays.
When schools were shut down in March amid the coronavirus lockdown, a food voucher scheme was set up to guarantee meals to children who had been reliant on food being provided at schools.
And now the Manchester United and England star has expressed his concerns about the scheme coming to an end next month, penning a letter to members of the House of Commons.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been very active with his brilliant charity work
England international Rashford penned a powerful letter to the Government on Sunday
He urged the Government to provide free meals for vulnerable children during school holidays
‘The government has taken a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to the economy – I’m asking you today to extend that same thinking to protecting all vulnerable children across England,’ Rashford, who has raised over a massive £20million to feed three million kids a week across Britain through charity Fareshare, wrote.
‘I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity. Please reconsider your decision to cancel the food voucher scheme over the summer holiday period and guarantee the extension.
‘This is England in 2020, and this is an issue that needs urgent assistance.
‘Please, while the eyes of the nation are on you, make the U-turn and make protecting the lives of some of our most vulnerable a top priority.’
The England international previously revealed how he relied on breakfast clubs and free school meals – and he does not want other children to potentially miss out.
‘As a black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, I could have been just another statistic,’ Rashford added.
‘Instead, due to the selfless actions of my mum, my family, my neighbors, and my coaches, the only stats I’m associated with are goals, appearances and caps.
‘I would be doing myself, my family and my community an injustice if I didn’t stand here today with my voice and my platform and ask you for help.’
England were due to begin their Euro 2020 campaign at home to Croatia on Sunday but Rashford has instead been hugely active with his charity work.
Rashford added: ‘This summer should have been filled with pride once more, parents and children waving their flags.
‘But, in reality, Wembley Stadium could be filled more than twice with children who have had to skip meals during lockdown – 200,000 children according to Food Foundation estimates.
‘As their stomachs grumble, I wonder if those 200,000 children will ever be proud enough of their country to pull on the England national team shirt one day and sing the National Anthem from the stands.
‘Can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry?’
Rashford was honoured with a special award last month for his charitable efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
The 22-year-old was given a special recognition award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester Eamonn O’Neal.
