Courtlands Café in Watford have pledged to support families in need during the school half term by providing free meals for children if customers tell them they are there for the scheme.
It came after the recent news regarding Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford and his efforts to see the free school meals scheme to be extended across the Autumn half term, however, after a vote in parliament, the motion was rejected.
The idea to apply this in the Watford community was thought of by Stacy Hart and her mother Dee, who were keen to help their community in some way and got in touch the local café to see if they would be interested in helping.
Owner of the café, Ibrahim Gucluer, said he was also thinking about doing something to help, and was eager to start offering families with children free meals if they came in asking about the scheme.
Speaking to WatfordNews, Stacy said: “On Friday, the government’s decision wasn’t surprising but still very disappointing. We were very keen to help out where we could, and we are absolutely delighted with the response it’s had with so many people in the community wanting to help out and donate.”
Ibrahim is hoping people who are in need won’t feel shy and use the offer that is out there.
He said: “We were really eager to help out after all the good work everyone has seen from Marcus Rashford recently. I remember a time when I was a child where I was going through something similar, and it really isn’t nice.
“We weren’t expecting any donations, but it just proves that everyone, especially in Watford, can come together when people need it. We initially said we’d just do the October half term, but if people still need it at Christmas then we’ll look to continue it.
“There’s a lot of positive vibes in the community and everyone is so together. I’m urging anyone who needs it to take advantage.”
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