Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has launched the B&NES Holiday Hunger Appeal with charity 3SG, aiming to feed local children outside of term time.
Following the government’s vote against extending free school meals to disadvantaged children during the schools holidays, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said: “The government started this pandemic by saying ‘we are all in this together’. That is clearly no longer the case.
“No parent chooses not to feed their child, and no child chooses not to eat.
“We are in the midst of a pandemic, and more and more families in Bath and North East Somerset are facing financial hardship.”
“I have teamed up B&NES Council, 3SG and other local organisations to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry in our communities over the coming weeks and months.”
“I am leading the B&NES Holiday Hunger Appeal with 3SG, and I hope people can give as generously as possible.”
Ms Hobhouse, who donated £1000 to the appeal, is working with B&NES council to look at match funding the campaign. Any money donated will help tackle child food poverty in B&NES.
You can donate to the campaign by clicking here: https://localgiving.org/appeal/hhbanes/
James Carlin, Director of 3SG, said: “3SG is an independent charity whose mission is to promote charitable activities and facilitate co-operation between community organisations and statutory bodies in B&NES.
“We are pleased to host this appeal and will work with local charities and partners to ensure the funding reaches the people that need it most.”
Cllr Kevin Guy, B&NES Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I was appalled by the Government’s shameful decision. Once again this government has abandoned some of the most vulnerable people in our society in the middle of a national crisis.
“I promise that B&NES Council will work tirelessly with all organisations to ensure no child goes hungry over the holidays.”
