A huge number of local businesses have stepped in to help.
Following the announcement that the UK government would not be extending any help via the free school meals scheme this October half term, a number of Bristol businesses have stepped in to help – providing free meals to those in need and continuing the huge momentum of Marcus Rashford’s child food poverty campaign.
Offering a helping hand in the form of takeaway packed lunches and sit-down hot meals, here are just some of the businesses offering free school meals this half term.
Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is continuing to support those who receive free school meals, with weekly vouchers to those who would usually rely on term-time meals. The vouchers will be available to collect locally or by calling their helpline on 0800 694 0184. You can find more details on free school meal vouchers in Bristol here.
Sonny Stores, Southville
Sonny Stores in Southville are making extra trays of Roman-style pizza this week for those who would normally benefit from free school meals. They will be offering 30 portions from 12pm every day.
47 Raleigh Road, BS3 1QS
Hugo’s Greengrocer Deli, Bedminster
The Bedminster greengrocer and deli posted on Instagram stating that during half term and then onto the Christmas holidays (unless anything changes) that they “will be offering lunch box style bags with some fruit and nice bits of veg for those in need of their school.” They will be on offer from 10.30am on Monday and the business will try to do at least 30 a day and see how it goes.
73 North Street, BS3 1ES
Woky Ko, Wapping Wharf
On Instagram, Woky Ko said; “From Monday – Friday this week we will be offering a free kids meal to any child that needs it. Our team will put together a braised pork rice Woky bowl with Peking sauce for you to collect confidentially between 12-2. Email us at hello@wokyko.com with a name and we will let you know which location to collect from…”
Unit 7, Cargo, Wapping Wharf, BS1 6WP
Pho, City Centre
Pho has pledged to donate 6,000 meals to children this half term, with staff on hand to discreetly give these out to those in need. Many of their restaurants in the UK are participating, including Bristol. Pho, 28 Clare Street, BS1 1YA
Bab Ganoush Kitchen, St Paul’s
The Middle Eastern restaurant in St Paul’s is offering a chickpea special for a free school meals student this half term, which includes a falafel and salad box. Bab Ganoush said there will be around 200 available until the end of half term.
81 St Nicholas’s Road, St Paul’s, BS2 9JJ
Crispins Fish and Chips, Brislington
Over half term Crispins will be providing free school meals where children can choose from a plain, battered or veggie sausage or fishcake and chips. In order to claim this meal message the fish and chip shop on Facebook here.
42 Sandy Park Road, BS4 3PF
The Gallimaufry, Bishopston
The Gallimaufry posted on Instagram saying: “We support the #endchildfoodpoverty campaign. No child in Bristol should go to sleep hungry – contact us in confidence and we’ll get your children a nutritious lunch Monday-Friday of next week. Inspired by @marcusrashford, supported by @degusta_bristol.” Degusta in Bristol has generously donated all the fresh produce for this week’s lunches. Meals have included korma, rice and flatbread as well as pasta bakes.
26-28 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AL
Ruby Jeans Coffee Shop, Shirehampton
This coffee shop in Shirehampton posted on Facebook saying they would be making up free lunch bags which include a with sandwich and a piece of fruit. You can pop into the coffee shop pn Pembroke Road to collect it or if you’re unable to they are happy to deliver if you send them a direct message.
55a Pembroke Road, BS11 9SA
Wagamamas, nationwide
During October half term Wagamamas is giving away 25,000 free meals to school children who are in need of it most. Visit your local Wagamama restaurant between 4-6pm and collect a freshly cooked meal to take home. All the restaurant asks is that a parent or guardian is present upon collection and that you wear a face mask or covering on collection. These meals are for children who qualify for free school meals. When entering the restaurant please say ‘kids pick up’ and the they will arrange to package up your chosen meals, carefully and discreetly.
Lyde Green Community Centre
The community centre said there will be a choice of sandwiches and pasta pots available. Simply register for your vouchers online the day before you require them and bring them to the cafe. You can choose your items from the lunch bag section in our fridge and discreetly show your vouchers to the member of staff at the till. Register for vouchers here.
Thistle Court, BS16 7GW
Morrisons, multiple stores
Morrisons is handing out 15,000 lunch boxes this half term as part of its new FareShare packed lunch scheme where shoppers can donate pre-packed bags to the food bank. Morrisons will distribute the bags across food banks and schools, allowing families to collect these from the most convenient places.