Manchester United's Marcus Rashford supports Worthing café's free meals for children

The 22-year-old Manchester United player saw his campaign for free school meals over half term rejected by the Government, sparking an incredible surge of public support.

Businesses and individuals across the country have come together to offer free meals for hungry children and one of Worthing's own has joined the fight.

Jordan's Café, in South Farm Road, is offering a free meal to any child between Monday and Thursday next week.

The café, which opened just before the country went into lockdown in March, has already shown its altruistic streak by delivering free meals to shielding residents during lockdown.

Marcus has been sharing local initiatives to offer free meals and retweeted Jordan's Café's offer to his 3.5million followers.

In a statement, cafe owner Jordan Luxford said: "We are offering a free meal (Sausage & Chips OR Chicken Nuggets & Chips) FREE to ANY child who comes here and asks between Monday and Thursday next week. We will be continuing this for the day as long as stocks last as we don’t have an unlimited supply although we have at least 50 meals a day to give away & as we have been receiving donations from the public we will likely be able to provide more.

"As a business we are not interested in the politics of the situation at all. We are switched on enough to see that there is a need in our community for what we plan to do and that need is our motivation. No child should be hungry, anywhere, anytime regardless of politics and the government's refusal to provide meals has not influenced our decision.

"We would hope that people that have no need for a free meal don’t take advantage of children that do.

"We have had a few people ask where to donate etc. - if anyone would like to please email [email protected]

"I’d like to thank everyone for their messages over the last 24hrs it’s been phenomenal. Love, The Jordan’s Cafè Family."

The café is being supported through volunteering and donations by JP Exteriors, One Stop Party Shop and Worthing town crier Bob Smytherman.

Marcus Rashford was awarded an MBE for his campaign for the Government to provide free school meals while schools were closed over the summer. Many children and their families rely on school meals and, without them, would go hungry.

With many families struggling amid the pandemic, Marcus urged the Government to extend the scheme over the coming half term, but the call was rejected in Parliament.

In the vote on Wednesday (October 21), both of Worthing's Conservative MPs refused to back the scheme for free school meals.

Worthing West MP Sir Peter Bottomley voted against, while East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton abstained from voting.