PARENTS across Cheshire have pledged to feed families to support Marcus Rashford's campaign to end child hunger.
After the Manchester United footballer's bid to to extend free school meals over half term was defeated on Wednesday by 322 votes to 261, mums and dads have launched a JustGiving page.
Eddisbury MP Antoinette Sandbach has teamed up with community campaigner Jo Conchie to raise £2,000 to help Winsford Salvation Army provide food parcels for local families facing hardship.
Antoinette said: "We know that there are children and families really struggling out there. I simply cannot understand why the scheme wasn't extended because the need is there. I think it is dreadful.
"I really want to praise the efforts of Winsford Salvation Army. They have done the most amazing job supporting families. The fundraising we are doing will help them to deliver a food package to families."
Fresh fruit, potatoes, bread and a substantial amount of tinned food, she said, can be bought for £5.
"Families already face a lot of additional costs with higher electric bills as they have had children at home for so long during the pandemic," said Antoinette. "We will make sure they don't go hungry.
"What I love about Winsford is that it has this amazing sense of community," said Antoinette. "What you see is people coming together to help and support each other.
"We are about communities. We want to see people pulling together.
"We are working together to make a difference rather than wait for central government who clearly aren't listening to the need of the north."
Winsford mum Jo set up a Good Neighbour scheme, recruited volunteers and organised an emergency outreach service during lockdown.
Winsford mum Jo Conchie who helped the elderly and vulnerable during lockdown is now reaching out to struggling families
The 38-year-old said: "Many families are struggling more than ever because of the pandemic.
"We have teamed up with Winsford Salvation Army to provide food parcels for struggling families that usually get free school meals. All money raised goes directly to the charity. Parents can get a referral through their school."
To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stopholidayhunger
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