COMMUNITIES across the country are pulling together this week to make sure children have something to eat in the half-term break.

It follows the free school meals campaign from Manchester United star Marcus Rashford MBE, and the vote in Parliament last week that was defeated by the Government.

In Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich, businesses and organisations are going the extra mile this week to make sure no child must struggle for food throughout the holiday.

Here are the places in mid Cheshire where families can get a meal this week.

Kanya, High Street, Northwich

The popular Kanya Bistro and Bar is preparing free packed lunches for children throughout half-term, no questions asked.

Northwich Guardian:

Kanya, in High Street. Image: Google Maps

In a post on Facebook, the Kanya team said: “Like everyone else we are concerned about no holiday school free meals. We know how difficult it can be for some families.

“Our message is clear. If you or anyone you know is struggling and need little help we are here.”

Call the team on 01606 333890, email sales@kanyabistro.co.uk or send a text to 07834 391190.

After Five Chinese, Station Road, Northwich

The team at After Five are offering a free meal to children on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

In a post on Facebook, the team said: “At After Five we have been deeply saddened and touched by Marcus Rashford’s campaign to keep school meals going through the school holidays.

Northwich Guardian:

After Five

“The thought of any child going to bed hungry in this day and age is just not on.”

Pop in to the take-away from 4pm to 5pm on those days, or send a confidential message to After Five on Facebook or on 07862 021535.

Vinnies, Market Street, Northwich

The popular cake shop has teamed up with Bella Boutique and Helping Hands – Northwich in Need to offer free packed lunches for any child who needs it throughout half-term.

Each lunch will have a sandwich, a packet of crisps, a piece of fruit, a drink and a freshly-made cupcake from Vinnies.

Northwich Guardian:

Vinnies in Northwich. Image: Google Maps

Youngsters will also be given a colouring sheet and pencils for a colouring competition, with prizes on offer for the top three entries, including a £30 voucher for Vinnies for the winner.

A post from the team on Facebook said: “This half term, we are committed to making sure that no child goes hungry.

“We understand that money is tight in these unpredictable times and that’s why over half term, starting Monday, you can collect a free lunch for your children, any day, every day if necessary, no questions asked, no explanations needed, just tell us that you’re here to pick up lunch for your children.”

Life Church, Blackcroft Avenue, Barnton

Banton Lunch Club is providing free packed lunches are available to children from 11am to 12.30pm from today until Friday at Life Church.

Food donations to the church are also welcome from members of the public.

For more information see facebook.com/barntonlunchclub

Winnington Scout Hut, Winnington Avenue, Winnington

Northwich Community Support has received generous donations from Fans Supporting Foodbanks, a Just Giving page shared by campaigner Lee Siddall and supermarkets across town to put together around 200 free packed lunches.

The lunches are available from 11am to 1pm each day this week for children who would usually receive free school meals.

See the Just Giving page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/fighting--holiday-hunger?utm_term=8ERpqMkDZ

Hartford Hounds, Firdale Road, Greenbank

Hartford Hounds dog walking service is offering free packed lunches each day over the half-term break, no questions asked.

Find out more at facebook.com/HartfordHoundsWalking

The Corner Fish and Chip Shop, Princess Street, Winsford

The takeaway will be providing a free hot meal to children from 11.30am to 2pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Each child will receive a portion of small chips, a small sausage and a carton of juice.

Northwich Guardian:

Corner Fish and Chip Shop in Winsford. Image: Google Maps

In a post on Facebook, the team said: “This is to provide children in our area with a warm meal during the school holidays.

“Please feel free to send your child if you are a struggling family in need in these hard times whilst the government aren’t willing to help with this we would like to.”

Mid Cheshire Foodbank, Northwich and Winsford, and Middlewich and District Foodbank

Both foodbanks will be continuing their tireless work as ever this week in making sure families in mid Cheshire stay fed throughout half-term and beyond.

Families will need a referral from a school, GP or Citizens Advice on 0344 5766 111. Northwich and Winsford families can also get a referral from the council on 0300 123 7065.

For more information see midcheshire.foodbank.org.uk or middlewichdistrict.foodbank.org.uk

Winsford Salvation Army, Weaver Street, Winsford

Volunteers behind the Good Neighbour Scheme in Winsford have teamed up with Winsford Salvation Army to get food parcels to families who need them in town.

Donations from a Just Giving fundraiser have gone towards the food parcels for parents who can get a foodbank referral, from their school or groups such as Citizens Advice.

See the fundraiser at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stopholidayhunger

Cheshire East Council, Middlewich

Struggling Middlewich families are able to access supermarket vouchers from the council during the half-term break.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell said: "Cheshire East Council is committed to helping our most vulnerable children and families and we are always at the end of the phone for anyone who is in a crisis.

"If anyone finds themselves in a crisis over half-term, we have arrangements in place to provide supermarket vouchers."

Call CEC's teams on 0300 123 5012 or discuss the offer with your named support worker.

Is your businesses or organisation missing from the list? Email stephen.topping@nqnw.co.uk