• Portofino Ristorante in Harrogate are offering free meals for school kids in need over half term.
  • The gesture comes after MP’s voting against extending school meals into the holidays.
  • Other Harrogate businesses including Thug Sandwich Co. and Major Tom’s Social are also offering free food over half term.

A restaurant in Harrogate are offering to cook and deliver free meals to local families in need over half term.

Portofino Ristorante on Albert Street were disappointed by the ‘negative action’ of the government, who controversially voted against extending free school meals into the holidays.

The restaurant’s decision to take action comes after Premier League footballer Marcus Rashford saw his campaign to extend free school meals rejected by MP’s. Portofino’s statement, released via Facebook, reads:

In response to the latest news regarding the government’s negative action on Marcus Rashford’s plea for help, Portofino Ristorante Harrogate is offering free essentials to any family living in the Harrogate area requiring help during next week’s school holidays.

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send us a private message. We will do what we can to help.

It may simply be a case of dropping off a parcel and leaving. No one has to know and where others are concerned, it never happened.

There are currently around 2,000 children in Harrogate receiving free school meals.

Marcus Rashford himself has backed Portofino’s decision, sharing their post via his Twitter page along with other establishments across the country who have stepped up to offer something similar.

If you or someone you know needs help this half term, Portofino are urging people to contact them discretely via private message on their Facebook page.

Other Harrogate restaurants

Following on from the example set by Portofino, Major Tom’s Social and Thug Sandwich in Harrogate have also decided to offer free food to school kids in need over half term.

Major Tom’s gave their news via Facebook:

If the MP’s are not going to take responsibility on this we will try do our part, that’s why we will now be open over half term from 12pm daily and will be offering free kids pizzas.

Whilst Thug revealed their plans via Instagram:

If you, as a parent genuinely feel like you may struggle to give your kid(s) a meal over half term next week then please reach out. We are more than happy to provide a little pack up of a sandwich, crisps and a drink to collect here at thug absolutely judgement free.

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.