Sat Oct 24, 2020 12:32 am
This week, a bid led by Manchester United forwards Marcus Rashford to provide free school meals during half term was voted down by MPs
A kindhearted café owner who started her business in the midst of lockdown is going the extra mile to help prevent children going hungry.
Jenna Keogh has been 'stunned' by the response after offering a free lunch to those in need during the school holidays.
The 30-year-old, from Coventry, runs Keogh's Coffee Shop on Beech Tree Avenue.
After watching an impassioned speech by her MP for Coventry North Taiwo Owatemi, Jenna was inspired to do her bit.
She is now working with a local school to make sure no child goes hungry this half term.
And after posting a message on Facebook detailing her plans, Jenna has been inundated with messages of support and offers of help.
She said: "I made the post after watching a vido of our local MP making a speech in Parliament, she was so passionate.
"And I was inspired to do something to help out as well."
Businesses up and down the UK have been stepping in to do their bit following a petition led by Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford urging the government to extend free school meals over half term.
But on Wednesday (October 21), the bid was defeated in Parliament, with 261 votes in favour and 322 against.
Jenna said: "Everyone at the moment is finding it so hard, and that vote was just another kick in the teeth.
"Anyone who's in need of a free meal during the school holiday can get in touch, no judgement made.
"We are all in this together."
Keogh's Coffee Shop has only been open since July after Jenna quit her job as a care coordinator and took the plunge.
She says running her own café is something she's always wanted to do and the feedback so far has been great.
Jenna added: "The reaction to the post has been incredible, it's all gone a bit crazy - more than I ever thought it could.
"We've also now been in touch with a local school, who will help us reach those who might need support in these times.
"Once it's up and running, we'll put together a list of families and children who will be able to turn up at 11am each day to collect a free lunch meal deal."
Sat Oct 24, 2020 1:45 am
Sat Oct 24, 2020 1:51 am
Sat Oct 24, 2020 1:29 pm
Sat Oct 24, 2020 9:56 pm
Sun Oct 25, 2020 4:27 pm
Marcus Rashford name checks Nuneaton chippy on 'End Child Poverty' free meals map
Marcus Rashford has name-checked a Nuneaton chippy on his map to show venues offering free meals to children.
The MBE winner, whose campaign has captured the heart of the nation, has featured Croft Fisheries on Croft Road on his map of all of the places across the country who have backed his 'End Child Poverty' campaign.
On his page on Twitter, the Manchester United striker has been placing a virtual red pin on all of the places who have offered to feed children for free this half term.
Croft Fisheries, which has been based on Croft Road for decades, has now made the map.
Heath End Church, based on Heath End Road, has launched a scheme to help parents of children who receive free school meals and are struggling this October half term.
A free hot meal, supplied by the chippy based on nearby Croft Road, is being offered to children.
All people have to do is to contact the church to get a voucher.
The partnership between the church and chippy is not the only one to have been set-up to help ensure no child goes hungry.
As we reported in our newsletter, volunteers at Bermuda Phoenix Centre have once again stepped up to help those in need.
They are offering to provide a free meal for children of families of children who are struggling.
Also, Hartshill resident Kacileigh Tubman felt compelled to do something and has launched a campaign to raise funds and donations for Nuneaton foodbank.
Lauren Elizabeths Beauty, based in Wiclif Way, is offering free packed lunches to any parents/carers that need it during the half term. If people need it we will deal with this in the strictest of confidence.
In neighbouring Coventry, a host of venues have stepped forward to offer free meals to those struggling during the half term holidays.
Sun Oct 25, 2020 10:24 pm
Mon Oct 26, 2020 12:59 am
Mon Oct 26, 2020 2:01 am
Mon Oct 26, 2020 12:14 pm
rebbonk wrote:You are right Melisandre.
I've seen a lot of verbal on social media against Marcus, suggesting that he and his fellow footballers could solve this by donating 1% of their wages. It's not his fault, he's only drawing attention to it. He didn't decree that places would be locked down etc etc.. The government has to solve this issue, it is of their creation, they need to step up to the plate.