This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On June 16, 2020, the UK government announced a major policy shift in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, agreeing to provide free school meals to vulnerable children over the summer holidays.
The decision comes after months of campaigning by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, who has been advocating for the government to provide support to families struggling to make ends meet.
According to reports, the government had initially refused to provide free school meals, citing concerns about the cost. However, following a high-profile campaign by Rashford and other organizations, the government has now agreed to provide £120 million in funding to support the scheme.
The decision is seen as a major victory for Rashford and the many organizations and individuals who have been working to support vulnerable children and families during the pandemic.
