The public response to the Marcus Rashford campaign calling on the government to end holiday hunger has been phenomenal. And successful. But anyone who works with people drawing on all their resources to overcome poverty will know that a hand-out can only keep them ticking over. It cannot solve the underlying causes and risks keeping people in a position of dependency.
To escape the poverty trap, two kinds of response are required: A sustained provision of more adequate financial support. And an investment in the individuals so they can achieve independence of hand-outs.
Granting more money is not in my power so today I will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to pass on the information that people affected by food poverty have shared with my teams over the past ten years. The Quids in! Guide to Managing Meals is a 32-page magazine listing all the ways people can access help and try to stretch their budgets to keep food on the table. Of course, it includes an incredibly diverse range of ‘cheap eats’ recipes but that’s often the least of people’s challenges.
Did you know millions don’t have the means to cook or store fresh food safely? We have details on obtaining grants for white goods so when we talk about ways to save time by cooking in batches, stocking up for a rainy day and reducing wasted food, people will be able to store, cook and freeze meals. The mag is packed to the staples with ideas that address the hidden reasons why so many people can’t always get by. But, yes, it also lists the emergency help for those all-important hand-outs when there’s no other way to keep the kids fed.
Published by Quids in!, we’ll be selling the Guide in bulk to social landlords and local authorities, but times are tough and their resources and being stretched in all directions because of the pandemic. So we’re calling on members of the public who have been moved by Marcus Rashford’s campaign but who want to do more than cheer for more hand-outs. As the saying goes: Give someone a fish and they’ll eat for a day. Teach someone to fish and they’ll feed themselves for a lifetime.
The crowdfunding campaign invites supporters to get involved at a local level. Do you have kids at a school where some parents might be struggling? Would you want to support people forced to turn to your local foodbank? Have you been applauding local business giving out free meals to people who need them? Pledge and we’ll send you or your chosen recipients a batch of the Guide to Managing Meals to pass on to people in your community.
We have a modest target of £1,500. And if we don’t reach it within two weeks, it won’t happen at all. But if all you can do is help us get word out, that would also be amazing support.
To pledge your support click here
