Carholme Chippy will be offering free meals for eligible school children over the half term holiday, starting Monday 26 October.
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This follows the government’s widely-criticised decision not to extend free school meals through the holiday, for children who may otherwise go without proper sustenance.
Nick Avraam, owner of the fish and chip shop, said: “We’re such a rich country and we shouldn’t be in a situation where people, especially children, haven’t got enough money to eat.”
“It’s a totally free service and we just want to do our bit to help and keep food in our kids’ bellies, keep everyone happy and healthy,” he added.
The food will be available to any children who qualify for free school meals, and will be given to parents discreetly.
“People can come, they can collect their food just like every other customer and there’ll be absolutely no fuss,” Mr Avraam said.
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The fish and chip shop has been aided in its efforts by donations from members of the community, including one donation of £100.
“As a business, we’ve been hit really, really hard with all of these coronavirus restrictions,” Mr Avraam said, “We lost a lot of money.”
“Initially, when we had this idea, we were really concerned about the costs,” he continued, but added that the donations have eased the financial pressure.
Other restaurants and pubs across the U.K. have also volunteered to keep children fed over the holiday, which Mr Avraam said is a show of the nation’s strength.
“We can all come together and help each other at times of need,” he said, but added it’s “totally wrong” that there’s a need for it.
“I think it’s absolutely terrible that the Government haven’t stepped up and looked after their people.”
320 of the 321 MPs who voted against extending free school meals over the half term holiday were Conservative. Karl McCartney, MP for Lincoln, was one of them.
Parents who want to take advantage of the free meals – including vegan options – can message the Carholme Chippy page on Facebook.
The meals will currently run until Friday 30 October.
It would be good if local people showed their appreciation to this local chippy owner and their further support of their own community to children in real need by including a “chippy tea” to their own family this coming week.
This is a fantastic initiative by businesses. The government and ‘those’ MP’s should be ashamed of themselves. Congrats to The Linc for this piece