// Manchester United player Marcus Rashford’s food poverty taskforce sees a list of UK grocers sign up
// Rashford launched his campaign in June in an effort to extend free school meals over the summer
Some of the UK’s largest grocers and suppliers have signed up to a new food poverty taskforce set up by footballer Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United player launched his campaign in June in an effort to extend free school meals over the summer.
Rashford’s food poverty taskforce means grocers and suppliers will lobby the government for spending in the autumn statement to support those children who are currently struggling financially.
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Grocers and businesses including Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Deliveroo, Iceland, Kellogg’s, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose have all joined the taskforce.
They have pledged to hand over their social media channels to share stories of children affected by food poverty over the next six weeks.
The retailers, alongside charities FareShare and The Food Foundation, have also written to MPs calling on them to implement proposals from the National Food Strategy.
“No child should ever go hungry,” Tesco UK and Republic of Ireland chief executive Jason Tarry said.
“Many families across the country are going through a very challenging time and are struggling to get the food they need, which is why Tesco stands with Marcus Rashford and this taskforce and supports its objectives to ensure that every child is fed all year round.”
Co-op Food chief executive Jo Whitfield said: “It’s heart-breaking to think of children in the UK going hungry and we are determined to do everything we can to support those who are most vulnerable in the communities we serve.
“We’ve worked with Marcus before and seen the amazing dedication he gives to the serious issue of food insecurity, which, as a local community retailer, Co-op also has an important role in supporting.”
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