With the debate over the free school meal scheme hitting the headlines, companies throughout our area have come forward with offers of help during the holidays.
Here are all the companies who have advertised that they are offering a free meal to anyone in receipt of the government’s Free School Meals scheme.
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5. Ocean Blue, Sutton-in-Ashfield
"Following the latest announcement that free school meals will not be provided for those that need it the most, HERE at Ocean Blue we’ll do our part to help "From Monday 26th-Friday 30th we will be offering free kids meals from 11.30-2pm "Sausage and chips or Fish cake and chips. "This will apply to walk in service only we hope this will help take the pressure off parents that are struggling through this unprecedented time "All you need to do is fetch your child of school age with you to redeem the free food Ocean Blue: 137 Kirkby Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Photo: Ocean Blue
6. Crave King
"Following the recent decision from the government to refuse the extension of free school meals during the school holidays for struggling families during such difficult times we’ve decided to offer packed lunches for children free of charge for the school holidays. "We are a small family run business, that wants to help local people. "The food parcels will mainly consist of sandwich ingredients, fruit, snacks and a drink. "These are available to any child who is in receipt of Free School Meals or is otherwise eligible. "But if you aren’t and you are struggling we are also happy to help as much as we can "If you are struggling and you’d like our help please email us on [email protected]" Crave King: 21 Pelham street, Mansfield, NG18 2EY Photo: Crave King
7. Jolly Fryer, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Theo Tsiolas with the 3 meals to choose from. He said: "We as a family have decided to give something back to our community & our incredibly loyal customers who have stood by us in these incredibly difficult times. "So from Monday 26th-Friday 30th October... 11.30 -3.00 we would like to offer any child or children accompanied by an adult a lovely kids meal of delicious warm sausage & chips, fishcake & chips, nuggets & chips or just a bag of jolly chips for the family. "We at the Jolly Fryer are so proud of our position in the Ashfield community and feel we must do the right thing and support those in need - those who have supported us for years & years. "We want to let as many families know as possible to help take as much pressure off parents as we possibly can. "No child should ever go hungry and we are determined to do our bit." Jolly Fryer: 94 Lowmoor Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield Photo: Brian Eyre
8. The Pud Store
Frances Bishop wrote: "In response to the government vote this week on Free School Meals and reaction from various businesses across the UK, I want to follow suit. "This time has been difficult for all our us, I’ve watched as my business I’ve built for years been destroyed by this virus. " Our stores which are usually full of laughter, people and hope have been left standing empty. "I want to do something in a small way to help those communities who have checked in on us from time to time. "I’ll be making 25 free lunches every day during half term Below are the days / times you can collect your lunches from. No questions will be asked, you can simply turn up and collect between the designated times. Tuesday 27th and Friday 30th: The Pud Store Mansfield Four Seasons NG18 1SU (25 lunches per day) I hope this will go some way in helping those families who need it most, and showing you how much we appreciate your ongoing support during this difficult time. Photo: The Pud Store