Marcus Rashford has written to every MP in the country urging them to get behind his campaign.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has told the government “the time is now” in the fight against child poverty in Britain.
Rashford is launching a new campaign, writing to all UK MPs asking for their support. This comes after his heroic efforts during the UK lockdown, where he helped force the government into a u-turn over extending free school meals into the summer holidays.
For the millions who don’t have the platform to be heard…
🗣 #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY pic.twitter.com/OuJrZNuWa7
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) September 1, 2020
Now, he’s teamed up with some of Britain’s major supermarket and food chains to push for the founding of a National Food Strategy. A “Child Food Poverty Task Force” is now underway. This would include free school meals for every family on universal credit, holiday support and the increased value of healthy food voucher schemes.
Chains involved include Deliveroo, Co-op, Tesco, Kellogg’s, Aldi and more.
We are proud to support @MarcusRashford's campaign, to keep the conversation of child poverty at the forefront of public and Government thinking. #EndChildFoodPoverty pic.twitter.com/fKpXXXZ1WT
— Aldi Stores UK (@AldiUK) September 1, 2020
“4.2 million children were living in poverty in the UK prior to Covid-19 and this is expected to have risen; the Task Force stand together to offer these vulnerable children the platform they need to have their voices heard,” writes Marcus Rashford in his letter to MPs.
“I encourage everyone to stop and listen. The time for action is now. I’m proud and I’m humbled to see such a reaction and commitment from the food industry, and I am confident that together we can help change the lives of those most vulnerable for the better.”
You can read the full letter to all MPs, shared with The i, here.
See also: Marcus Rashford To Receive Honorary Degree From The University of Manchester