Marcus Rashford MBE was able to campaign on behalf of deprived families earlier this year with resounding success, ensuring disadvantaged children got the free school meals they were entitled to during the Easter and then the summer holidays. But last week 322 MPs voted against his appeal for this meal provision to be extended into Christmas. Rashford was among those outraged, in protest creating a petition calling for children from deprived families to always be provided with free meals in school holidays. This petition reached 1 million supporters just earlier today.
Many local restaurants, cafes and councils have made efforts to ensure local children do not go hungry this half term, in what seems like an absence of government effort. These organizations of course include Wimbledon’s own: Don’s Local Action Group.
Should you also frequent the Waitrose in Wimbledon, you may have noticed these blue and yellow clad volunteers collecting food donations just outside the entrance. This is Don’s Local Action Group. They specialized in providing food boxes to those in need throughout lockdown, making a feature on Channel 4 because of their efforts. The DLAG have so far delivered 35,000 "weekly food boxes" which is genuinely remarkable considering the fact that the group was set up just 6 months ago.
In response to concerns over the MP vote, during half term, they will put "extra food in the boxes that go to families who usually claim free school meals". These boxes also include “little Halloween treats to brighten their day” one of the members of Don's Local Action Group explained. The group is also doing plenty on the campaigning front, "petitioning local borough councils and advertising their services on social media and in schools especially".
It is truly comforting as a Merton resident to see organizations like Dons Local Action group doing their bit and that despite not having central government support, those in need can be provided for.
