THE ISLAND NETWORK is stepping in to ensure that children abandoned by the Government will not go hungry this half term. The Network will be distributing food on the Isle of Dogs to children in need this week – the half term holiday.
Many families were handed a lifeline over the summer, when Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford led a campaign to shame the Government into giving food vouchers to children who were entitled to Free School Meals. Now, however, Boris is standing firm and insisting families feed their children from their existing income during this half term holiday. He clearly has no idea how far low pay or benefits have to stretch.
The Island Network is one of many community organisations and companies that are rallying round in the crisis. The group has already delivered 11,600 items – meals and food boxes – on the Island. It had scaled down its operation to helping only a small number of the most needy, but when the news about half term came, it sprang into action once more.
The Network will be providing meals for children who need them – free of charge – at two distribution sessions. Social distancing will be observed, and the food will be handed out to children and families on a first come, first served basis. Food has been donated by Asda and funded by One Housing Group and the Canary Wharf Group.
●Food distribution •2-4pm, Tuesday, 27th October – outside The Quaterdeck Shopping Parade, E14 8SJ •2-4pm, Thursday, 29th October – on the green behind Thorne House and Skeggs House, E14 3LU.
•For further information, please contact Maium Miah Talukdar on 07983-798 791 islandnetwork1@gmail.com
●Read more stories about the Island Network: Island Network