This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has made a heartfelt plea to the British government to continue providing free meals for disadvantaged children during the summer holidays.
On June 15, 2020, Rashford wrote an open letter to lawmakers, citing the government's 'whatever it takes' approach to the economy and asking them to extend this thinking to protecting vulnerable children across England.
As a child, Rashford received free meals, and he has since helped raise around £20 million for FareShare, a charity that fights hunger and food waste.
He wrote, '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, 22, also shared his personal experience as a black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, and how he could have been another statistic if not for the support of his family and community.
He added, 'What families are going through now, I've once had to go through that — and it's very difficult to find a way out. It's very important for me to help people who are struggling.'
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has responded to Rashford's letter, stating that he understands the issues facing families across the UK and has announced an additional £63 million for local authorities to support struggling families.
