MANY restaurants and cafes across Colchester are stepping in to support families-in-need this half term.

Last week, the Labour Party submitted a motion in parliament proposing the extension of the free school meals scheme until at least Easter 2021.

Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford MBE had backed the campaign, stressing the need for struggling children to have access to food when not at school.

It was subsequently defeated by a majority of 61 after 322 MPs voted against it, including Clacton's Giles Watling, Colchester's Will Quince, and Braintree's James Cleverly.

Since the vote, which has led to widespread condemnation of the Government, businesses have been stepping up and pledging to support struggling families over the holiday.

Here is the full list of the businesses in Colchester we know are involved:

  • Caffe Sala, Eld Lane - Monday to Sunday free breakfast or lunch – 07999 310 086.
  • Belle Vue Social Club, Colne Bank Avenue - Monday to Saturday free breakfast – 07311 865356.
  • Firstsite, Lewis Gardens - Monday to Friday - Visit firstsite.uk.
  • Oak Tree Coffee House, Highwoods Square - Monday to Saturday turn up for a packed lunch.
  • GO4 Cafe, Recreation Road - 07514 050691.
  • Greenstead Social Club, Blackthorn Avenue - Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm to 3pm - 01206 791929.
  • Three Wise Monkeys, High Street - Monday to Friday - 01206 543014.
  • Love Thy Burger, High Street - Monday to Friday 12pm to 2pm - 01206 544044
  • Burgers, Wings and Ribs, Grange Way - Tuesday to Friday - 07984 606637.
  • The Barn Garden Centre and Cafe, Turkey Cock Lane, Stanway - Monday to Sunday free packed lunch.
  • Monkwick Munch Club, Fifth Scout Hall, Queen Elizabeth Way - Monday to Friday.
  • The Deli, High Street, West Mersea - Monday to Friday - 01206 384753.
  • Seafood at Dawn, East Road, East Mersea - Monday to Friday - 01206 383253.
  • The Dog and Pheasant, East Road, East Mersea - Monday to Friday - 01206 383 206.
  • Cowabunga Pizza, Yorick Road, West Mersea - Wednesday to Sunday - 01206 243102.
  • The Marlborough, High Street, Dedham - Monday to Sunday - 01206 391880.
  • The Gilt Rooms, West Mersea - Tuesday to Saturday 12pm to 2.30pm.
  • Wimpy, High Street - Monday to Friday 4pm to 8pm.
  • The Old Crown, Messing - Monday to Saturday 12pm to 2.30pm and 5pm to 7pm. 
  • Mimosa, Severalls Industrial Estate - Tuesday to Friday 12pm to 10pm.
  • Pavilion, Middleborough - Monday to Friday 12pm to 10pm.

Read more >>> New map shows where in Colchester is offering free food for kids

Is your business helping out this half term?

Let us know by emailing robbie.bryson@newsquest.co.uk.