IN THE wake of England football star Marcus Rashford’s campaign, Slough Council said they are “formulating plans” to help families entitled to free school meals over the Christmas period.

A motion brought forward in Parliament by Labour to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021 was blocked by the ruling Conservatives by 322 votes to 261 – a majority of 61 – last week.


A surge of businesses, pubs, restaurants, councils, and charities have come together to offer free school meals and support for vulnerable families during the crushing pandemic.

Schools in Slough have been contacted in advance to let families know where to get help during the October half-term, a spokesman for Slough Borough Council said, where the council is looking at plans for further support during the Christmas period.

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According to Slough’s MP Tan Dhesi – who voted for the motion – 3,891 children are known to require free schools in the borough.

The spokesman said: “We are very fortunate in Slough to have excellent voluntary groups who work through the holidays providing meals for families who need them. This has again happened this October half term and schools were contacted so families knew in advance where to get help.

“The council is looking at formulating plans to be put in place for those families who need help as a result of the pandemic, and others, over the Christmas period.”

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Here are the places in Slough you can contact if you or someone you know needs help:

  • Antz Kidz Activity Centre, Farnham Road, Slough – Providing groceries to children in need during half-term. Call 07598062569 for details.
  • Burrowes Family Butchers, 83 High Street, Burnham – Providing free food parcels for students during half-term. Contact Burrowesbutchers@hotmail.com or private message on Facebook or Instagram with relevant form of proof and ID.
  • Slough Outreach – Offering free meals to families struggling to feed their children during half-term. Contact 07832442424 for details.