MARCUS RASHFORD has led the way during the coronavirus pandemic by helping a charity supply two million meals a week for vulnerable children.
Supermarkets such as Asda, Tesco and Co-Op have thrown their weight behind FareShareUK after the Manchester United forward advocated the project.
Having relied on free school meals as a child, the England star took it upon himself to raise awareness of those in need during the country’s lockdown.
And Rashford has announced that two million meals are now being delivered every week – with his personal donation being doubled.
He wrote on Twitter: “Six weeks ago I launched my partnership with FareShareUK and I’m so proud of the progress we’ve made together.
“Today we are supplying over two million meals a week to vulnerable people across the UK – meals they wouldn’t otherwise have.
“My mum worked all day every day when I was growing up to make sure I had at least one meal on the table every night.
“I needed Breakfast Club and free school meals otherwise I didn’t eat until 8/9pm.
“Not every child is fortunate enough to get that evening meal.
“So, to give this campaign another boost and for us to reach a lot more children than we currently are, I’m doubling my personal donation to FareShareUK.
“I really am so grateful to every single one of you who has donated a couple of pounds here and there as those little bits do really make a big difference.
“I know it’s not an easy time for any of you and I’m blown away that you have pulled together on this. Thank you!”
As well as a food donation worth £20million from supermarkets, outlets such as Pret A Manger and Pizza Express have answered Rashford’s call.
Charities such as FareShare, which distributes food to 11,000 different organisations across the UK, are even more vital with schools shut and they thanked the 22-year-old for his contribution.
They wrote: “We are blown away by your generosity Marcus Rashford.
“Your support is the reason we can keep helping people in need. We can’t thank you enough.”
Rashford has also been getting in touch with fans during the pandemic, gifting tickets to NHS workers and responding to one young supporter who wrote of how much he was missing football.
The praise continued online with one fan commenting: “You should be proud of yourself man, as a fan it’s good to see somebody so young doing so much for others.”
Another added: “You will be remembered for this Marcus. People always remember those who stand for them in times of difficulty. Be assured. Well done.”
