Mark Russell

After his victory on free school meals, the school Marcus Rashford called for more help for. With the country's attention On Holiday hunger, what do charities and school leaders want to happen now?

Downing Street has said all 1. 3 million Children would benefit from free school meals in England of a "Covid summer food Fund".

But food banks and charities say the government could Go Further by permanently funding the meals outside of the lecture-free time.

Before the government implemented a scheme to feed, who to free meals, headteacher Richard Gilpin, after the schools closed, the majority of students in March

The current scheme provides eligible to a voucher to the value of over £15 per week per child.

an extension over the summer, as Rashford had asked for a Cost of £120m.

Mr. Gilpin, of Pittville Secondary School , Cheltenham, said that the decision was The Right one, but it had to be longer than the summer.

"If it is still the case At Christmas , is great, but it can not be one and only one "-off," He Said .

"This can't be just a reaction to a high profile football player for the summer. "

More Than a fifth of the students in Pittville are help on free school meals, the school, and Mr. Gilpin, said the staff had their own food bank.

"The government has to recognize that the families have to fight for a long time, even after the schools open to all and families are Back To work," He Said .

"Young People are already suffering in relation to Mental Health and that is before we address The Problem that families face in getting food on The Table . "

Neil Gingell, from Melksham in Wiltshire, said the decision was "great", but she has found problems with the voucher scheme and hopes that people can relate to, you get in the summer.

The 45-year-old, who is interested in his partner and three Children , said: "We were vouchers a week behind with the food, then we had two lots, then some of the vouchers didn't work. to give

"If you're going to meals during The Holiday season, then you must do it really.

"We have family that help us out, but there are people Out There who are no help at all," He Said .

In England More Than 1. 3 million Children - 15% of those in the state Education - were in claim and claim, free school meals in the Last Year .

parts of London, The North and Midlands, had More Than a quarter of The Children receive dinner during the lecture time.

The Corona-Virus pandemic has The Ability of charities and community groups, to help Children disabled.

they were not able to run, holiday clubs, where meals outside the lecture-free time.

Andrew Forsey, of charity, Feeding Britain, said: "We owe a great debt of gratitude to Marcus Rashford - A Man who has done incredibly well for himself, but has not forgotten his Roots - who made not only money for this cause, but led this successful effort by the government to help dig you out of a big hole. "

He Said the government's intention to roll-out a "" in the summer holidays, held The Key to admission 'holiday hunger" the history books. "

The Big help project, which runs a food bank and a food club, in Knowsley, Merseyside, has double the demand, since the lockdown started.

The Region has one of the highest rates of child meals to a free school, with More Than a third in the public Education received.

Assistant chief executive Sue Torpey, said: "the demand exploded. So this announcement is very good, but it needs to go over the summer.

"We have already run, ensure the arrangements set out in The Holidays for the coming years, that Children 's meals outside the lecture-free time.

"This is the community encouraged and it is never enough.

"The government could change this if he wanted to. There is a Chance. There is an increase in benefits and a reduction in the waiting period for Universal Credit must. "

The Children 's society has called on the government, The Free school meal extension permanent.

Mark Russell , chief executive, said: "the offers should be expanded to more low-income working families, the escape wrong. This is an important life line for all The Children . "

Speaking during Prime Minister 's Questions, Boris Johnson said the government was proud to have introduced "universal free school meals", for Children up to year 2, regardless of The Need .

He Said there were hundreds, thousands "fewer families living in poverty now than in 2010".

Source of news: bbc.com