COUNCIL leader Dave Stewart has confirmed the Isle of Wight Council remains committed to ensuring all children and families in need of food support get access to all possible available help.

Cllr Stewart said: “In the short term we have committed extra money to the Help Through Crisis scheme which is already operating to provide crucial help to those Islanders struggling to afford food and other essentials during the pandemic.

"I am sure we will be able to find more money if required. I do not want any Island child to go hungry.

"The scheme provides access to emergency food parcels and other food provision support.

"I would urge affected families to contact Citizen’s Advice IW, which manages the programme, on 823859 or the website at www.islehelp.me/help-through-crisis to find out how to access these schemes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE has spearheaded a campaign to get free meals for childrenManchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE has spearheaded a campaign to get free meals for children

"It is linking with the Isle of Wight Foodbank and other local community food provision such as Ventnor Foodbank, Ryde Aspire, West Wight Food Support, and Sandown Free Food.

"Baby Box will also provide support for families experiencing food crisis for babies and toddlers.

"I would like to thank and pay tribute to all those organisations and businesses on the Island which have stepped in to provide vital extra help in this area both throughout the pandemic and in recent days.

"Let’s all work together to tackle this community need.”

List of places offering free meals for children during the half term break

  • 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).

Isle of Wight County Press: Isle of Wight Zoo, Sandown is offering free access and a free kids mealIsle of Wight Zoo, Sandown is offering free access and a free kids meal

  • 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).