Chatham Town Football Club will be offering free meals to children in need of food during the half-term break.

The club, who have provided much support for the community during the Covid-19 pandemic , particularly during the lockdown, are ready to help out once again, after MPs voted against extending free school meals during holidays up until Easter 2021.

Footballer Marcus Rashford is campaigning to end child food poverty and he persuaded the government to offer free school meal vouchers during the summer break. Hopes of that being extended was defeated in parliament, with MPs, including most in Kent , voting against it but the Southern Counties East Football Club are willing to do their bit.

The club have said during next week’s half-term, from Monday, October 26 to Sunday, November 2, they will provide a free meal to those in need of help, either at the club or delivered.

The club can be contacted, in confidence, through direct messaging on social media or email partners@chathamtownfc.com.

Chatham Town chairman Kevin Hake said: "On behalf of us all at Chatham Town we recognise our importance within the community not only as a football club but also to do our bit in tackling social issues that we face.

"Whether it be Covid -19, childhood poverty or the next social issue that surfaces, all of us at Chatham Town FC are committed to doing our best to support our community when it needs us.

"If you know of any child that will go hungry during the half-term period we will provide a free meal either at the club or delivered to their door."

Chatham aren't the only football club in Kent offering to feed children over the holidays.

Isthmian League side Ramsgate are providing hot meals over half term.

They said: "If you play youth football for any club in Thanet and are in need of a hot meal during half term please come to Southwood between 12:30 and 13:30.

"In partnership with our sponsors Day’s Grills and inspired by Marcus Rashford FareShare charity. We will be opening our canteen to serve pasta, fruit and a drink to all youth football players in Thanet and their siblings who need a hot lunch next week."

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