Wakefield Estábulo bar & grill giving away hundreds of free hot meals for school children

The meals will be ready for collection between 4pm and 5pm from today until Tuesday, November 9, at the restaurant at 1 Burgage Square, Merchant Gate.

Each takeaway box will contain chicken and vegetables, providing a hot, nutritionally-balanced meal ready for eating the same evening.

Rob Campbell, CEO of the hospitality group is taking action, following the recent rejection of a motion to extend free school meals over the school holidays by MP's, in support of a nationwide drive championed by footballer Marcus Rashford MBE to ensure schoolchildren do not go hungry this half-term.

End Child Food Poverty: Here are other Wakefield businesses offering food to families in needMr Campbell said: "The situation is critical and we can't wait for more debate, these families need immediate support."

The World Economic Forum has previously reported one in five children in the UK faces food insecurity. The United Nations World Food Programme defines food security as having reliable and consistent access at all times to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.

Mr Campbell said: "Unfortunately, the UK has one of the worst child food insecurity levels amongst the world's richest countries. Sadly, the crisis is impacting this situation and it is getting worse at an alarming rate."

He said the restaurant will rely on the goodwill of people to collect meals only for schoolchildren that would have qualified for vouchers and has requested safety guidelines regarding social distancing are adhered also. ]

“Remaining safe is a priority. Thank you to all the families for helping us distribute the meals safely," he said.

He himself will be on site at various venues throughout including Estábulo Restaurant, including Wakefield on Wednesday, October 28 between 4pm–5pm assisting with the distribution of meals.