9 supportive Sheffield businesses vowing to feed kids this half term

Earlier this week, 322 Tory MP’s voted to deny the extension of free school meals (FSM) for children during the upcoming half term.

The motion, tabled by Labour, lost by a majority of 61 with Sheffield Central MP, Paul Blomfield, voting in favour of extending FSM.

Following the government denying hungry children food, businesses all over Sheffield have taken to social media to show how they can help instead.

Luke’s Place, Infirmary Road

Located just outside Sheffield city centre, Luke’s Place is offering free meals to “anyone in Sheffield struggling to feed their children.”

There will be batches of lasagne, shepherds pie and macaroni cheese to collect on Wednesday 28th October and assures everyone that this is “not charity, it’s looking our for each other.”

Forge Bakehouse, Abbeydale Road

According to their Instagram, Forge Bakehouse on Abbeydale Road offers a “Suspended Food Scheme all year round, where anyone can come in and claim a loaf, sandwich, coffee or sweet treat for free, no questions asked.”

In light of recent events, they have added even more food to this scheme as well as people in the local community using ‘pay it forward’ methods to donate meals.

They say “for anyone left without free school meals this half term. Simply come in, take a ticket and we’ll hook you up with something delicious.”

The Steel Cauldron, Spooner Road

This wizard-themed restaurant, based near Uni Of, is offering a free lunch for any child able to claim free school meals.

On a recent Facebook post, the restaurant said “The Steel Cauldron are trying to spread the love and magic this half term. Drop by any day between 11 and 4 to receive a free sandwich and piece of fruit.”

They go on to explain that this scheme is costed by the staff members donating their tips “we are with you, we are behind you and we love you!”

The Rhubarb Shed Cafe, Manor Lane

Marcus Rashford, the face of the free school meal extension movement, shared the generosity of The Rhubarb Shed Cafe in Sheffield.

On Thursday 29th, any child under 16 can claim their free sandwich, cupcake or hot chocolate as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Greystones, Greystone Road

Stating on Twitter that they “couldn’t bear to see any child going hungry” on their watch, The Greystones pub is offering a free lunch to anyone eligible for free school meals.

They’re offering a free lunch bag to pick up from 12pm everyday, you just need to message them on social media first.

The Handsworth Inn, Handsworth Road

Despite having to close under the Tier 3 restrictions in Sheffield, The Handsworth Inn is offering free pack lunches to anyone struggling this half term.

Endorsed by Marcus Rashford on Twitter, their Facebook post states “we will be putting together some packed lunches to help take some stress away from struggling parents.”

“These will be completely free of charge, we just want to help out the best we can.”

Since their original post they have been inundated with donations of food and are now aiming to help families with whatever they can for the whole week, not just a packed lunch.

The Lunch Box, Westhorpe Fields Road

Just outside the city centre of Sheffield, The Lunch Box are offering the same as The Rhubarb Shed Cafe, with a free sandwich, cupcake or hot chocolate.

The offer is for any child under 16, accompanied by their parent or guardian.

Zippy’s Sandwich Bar, Blackstock Road

Zippy’s Sandwich Bar is offering a free packed lunch for anyone in need this half term.

They state on their Facebook “with no support in place, we would like to offer our help to those who usually receive free school meals.”

Butter Me Up, Queens Road

On a recent Facebook post, Butter Me Up said “due to yesterday’s vote to stop free school meals during half term, we would like to offer free children’s meals Wednesday, Thursday Friday evening 4pm – 8pm to anyone who is struggling.”

They have an extensive menu for children to choose from and if you message them on social media they are able to help.

The amazing support also follows the pledge of Sheffield City Council who have vouched to provide £15 per child per week for those on free school meals, despite the governments vote.

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