So it is heartening to hear of the many restaurants and businesses who have immediately offered their support to local children, young people and families during this half term holiday. This support has been widely inspired by the well-publicised campaign to continue the offer of free school meals throughout the school holidays, which has been led by the Premier League footballer, Marcus Rashford MBE. 

Many businesses have decided to offer free meals to all children. In fact, local independent coffee shop, Crushed Bean, on Croydon’s High Street, has not stopped offering free hot breakfasts to children since the summer; every weekday before 11pm. From its stunning new location near West Croydon station, Matthew’s Yard is offering 250 free meals (and a 50% discount for all parents/carers. Keeley’s Nursery is also offering free meals to children, including any children in the local community in need. Ayat Lounge, a Lebanese Mediterranean restaurant in South Croydon, is offering free meals to kids between 1 and 3pm every weekday.

Simply Lunch, a Croydon-based, family-run sandwich and lunch delivery company, are also offering free meals for collection from Central Croydon for any children or teenagers who’d usually receive free school meals. 

Croydon Council has also stated that:
“If your family receives free school meals and are struggling during half term, contact the schools team to apply for supermarket vouchers.”
educationenquiries@croydon.gov.uk

If you want to promote any of your offers for families, children or teenagers, please get in touch with Croydon BID’s Marketing and Communications Manager and we would happily use our platforms and audience to share the positive messages and support our local community.