⁍ Manchester United will provide 5,000 free school meals during the October half-term holidays.

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⁍ Marcus Rashford has campaigned for the government to provide food vouchers during school holidays.

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⁍ Dozens of local organisations all over the country came forward last week to supply free school meals.

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⁍ Rashford forced a government U-turn in July when he won his battle to ensure free school meals during the summer holidays.

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– “Many of Manchester’s children are going hungry and they are particularly vulnerable during school holidays when they cannot benefit from the meal voucher program,” Manchester United’s chief operating officer says. That’s why the English soccer team has stepped in to provide 5,000 free school meals for children during the October half-term holidays, per Reuters. Marcus Rashford, a 22-year-old player for the team, launched a social media campaign earlier this year calling for the government to provide food vouchers for children who normally receive free meals during term time if their parents receive welfare support, the Guardian reports. Dozens of local organizations offered to supply free school meals after Rashford’s campaign was launched. “Many of Manchester’s children are going hungry and they are particularly vulnerable during school holidays when they cannot benefit from the meal voucher program,” the operating officer says. “In parallel with the brilliant work being done individually by Marcus Rashford, we’re proud that the club continues to step in alongside FareShare, the Foundation, and their partner schools to help fill this void.”