Cafés across Chichester unite for hungry children

Government ministers are maintaining that they will not fund free school meals for vulnerable children in England over the holidays so eateries in the city centre have come to the rescue.

Fenwick’s Café in Priory Park announced on their Facebook page that they will be offering children who are in need of a free lunch the chance to pick up a free lunch bag from their premises throughout half term this week.

Chichester pub responds to Marcus Rashford's campaign to feed hungry children over half-termCrispins Café in East Street are also offering free lunches to children as well as raising money for the Trussell Trust, a food bank charity with centres in Chichester, Bognor Regis and Worthing.

Owner of Crispins in East Street, Jo Newman said: “After seeing the UK Government’s vote this week, our hearts broke at the thought of people struggling and worrying about how to feed their children. We have children and grandchildren of our own so the thought of any child going hungry really upset us.

Bognor Regis restaurant to feed hungry children over half-term following Marcus Rashford campaign"We wanted to help so thought this was a way of giving back and have been overwhelmed by the Chichester community all pulling together. This year has been hard for everyone, us included, so we have to stick together.”

Lunches need to be pre-ordered with the café in the morning and will be ready for collection between 12pm and 2pm the same day.

North Street’s Café Paradiso is also doing their bit by offering children’s meals for £1 with any adult meal purchased.

Chichester pub The Eastgate steps in to help hungry children over half-term