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The charity has welcomed the Government support package to help children and families during the winter period, as well as the extension of the Holiday Activity & Food Programme and Healthy Start Voucher improvements.

With more than 4.2 million children in the UK living in poverty, Meals & More are concerned that the Government support package may not reach vulnerable children living in poverty.

Meals & More are calling on the Government to extend the support to all families on Universal Credit, as the charity launches its fifth annual Christmas campaign to end holiday hunger.

Peter McGrath, operations director at Meals & More, said: “Since Marcus [Rashford] began campaigning there has been an increase in understanding of child food poverty and the needs of children and families during holiday periods.

“We have been asked by the clubs we support if there is additional funding available as the ramifications of the pandemic begin to be felt across the country, so to this end we are launching a Christmas campaign and people can donate through the Virgin Money page.

“There is a danger that people think that this announcement from the Government solves the problem – it doesn’t.  Of course it’s a step in the right direction, but there will still be many, many parents dreading the expense of Christmas and especially this year when so many are suffering financially because of COVID, but Meals & More continues to work to lessen those worries.”

Meals & More support 220 children’s holiday clubs throughout the UK, providing a safe space for children and their parents. Over the last five years the charity has provided more than 440,000 meals to over 10,000 children. The charity is calling on the entire food industry to unite to help end holiday hunger this Christmas.

Hugo Mahoney, Brakes’ chief executive, added: “We call on everyone who can to support the current effort to put an end to holiday hunger.  With around five million children living in poverty, the latest Government support package won’t end child food poverty, but it will be a huge step in the right direction. 

“However, we need to do more, so please visit www.mealsandmore.org.uk if you can help. We have the infrastructure in place, but the need is growing so fast, we must redouble our efforts to keep pace, so more children don’t go hungry this Christmas.”