CHILDREN can eat for free across the Island next week, after a huge community effort was inspired by footballer Marcus Rashford's campaign.

Government voted not to provide extra free school meals during the October half-term, but across the country, people have been coming up with their own schemes in response.

Read more: MP Bob Seely defends vote against children's food vouchers

The effort was spearheaded on the Island by Mark and Charlotte Kelly, of Socialising Buddies.

They enlisted local businesses such as the Happy Haddock and Phil's Diner, to help fund and provide free lunches for children.

When word got out about the campaign, donations from Islanders came flooding in, currently standing at £4,560.

YMCA Isle of Wight is also providing free children's packed lunches.

A spokesperson said: "If you are struggling over half term next week, YMCA Isle of Wight in partnership with the amazing Free Food in Sandown are providing free packed lunches Monday to Friday next week from YMCA Winchester House in Shanklin.

"Just pop in anytime from 11am to 2.30pm to collect from the dining room (entrance will be signposted).

"This is an open access scheme — you will not be asked to prove you need help."

The County Press revealed last week that there are more than 7,000 children living in poverty on the Island.

UPDATE Oct 27: The cause has now raised £6,500.

Are you a businesses offering free lunches next week? Let us know, by emailing editor@iwcp.co.uk

To donate to the Socialising Buddies' scheme, click here

Isle of Wight County Press: The team at Socialising Buddies.The team at Socialising Buddies.

Here is the list of places:

Happy Haddock chip shop, Shanklin (free meal Monday to Saturday).

Happy Haddock Chip shop, Sandown (free meal Monday to Saturday).

T and D Kitchen, Ryde (free meal Tuesday to Saturday).

T and D Kitchen, Ventnor (free meal Tuesday to Saturday, also free delivery for people who cannot get there on Thursday to Saturday, 5pm to 8pm to Ventnor, Wroxall, Whitwell, Niton and Godshill area).

Caesars, Shanklin Esplanade (two 2 free kids meals with any adult meal purchased. Please book first. Monday to Saturday).

Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown (50 free child places Monday to Friday, free access to the zoo and a free kids meal. Maximum three children per adult. Maximum group size of six. Maximum age of child is 16. Only available to the first 50 children through the door on each day. Proof of IW residency required).

The Beach Hut, Bembridge (donating packed lunches to YMCA).

The Original Phil's Diner, Newport (250 free dinners to children, once gone they are gone).

The Retreat, Newport (Lunch Bag including sandwich, apple, crisps, a treat and a drink.)

The Boat House, Seaview (free kids main course between 12pm and 2.30pm each day, name the campaign to get it).

The Fishbourne Inn (free kids main course between 12pm and 2.30pm each day, name the campaign to get it).

The Spinnaker, Bembridge (free kids main course between 12pm and 2.30pm each day, name the campaign to get it).

Corries Cabin, Cowes (250 meals available, once gone they're gone).

Terry's Fish and Chips, Wootton Bridge (free kids meal).

YMCA Shanklin (free packed lunch in the bay area, see detail above).

Root and Fruit, Sandown (free piece of fruit).

The Lifeboat Pub, East Cowes (kids eat free Monday to Thursday, one free kids meal with every full paying adult main meal on mention of the campaign, from 12 noon to 7pm).

Aspire, Ryde (Between 12 noon and 1.30pm, Aspire will provide hot food all week free of charge).

JJ's Take-out, Whitepit Lane, Newport (free children's meal). 

Victoria Lodge Hotel, Shanklin (free packed lunch).

Quay Arts, Newport (art workshop and free packed lunch to take away).