MORE businesses and charities in Crewe have thrown their weight behind Marcus Rashford's #NoChildGoesHungry campaign.

Crewe Alex were among those clubs, churches and charities rushing to join the Manchester United and England striker's half-term school meals campaign last Friday.

Now more organisations have pledged generous donations of packed lunches and meals to distribute during this week's half-term holiday.

The campaign drew momentum from the government's voting down of an opposition motion which would have extended free school meal provision to pupils for the October half-term and beyond to next Easter.

Community interest company Healthbox lists a number of places who are providing free food packages this week for families who may be struggling.

They include Kids Planet in Mablins Lane, Premier in Bramhall Road, Ann's Pantry Catering, Spiceology on Nantwich Road, caterers Big Juicy Baps, Homes for Support Ltd and Finigan's Bakery in Laura Street.

The Hop Pole pub on Wistaston Road is urging those in need to call in for a free children's lunch pack with a choice of ham, cheese, tuna mayo or egg mayo.

It states there are no "terms or conditions and no guilt or shame", adding: "Here for everyone in times like this Team Hop Pole".

The pub can be contacted on 01270 695027

Among those previously making pledges were St. Andrew's Church in Bedford Street, the Bombay Indian Restaurant in Mill Street and the Wishing Well charity.

Crewe Alex has increased its number of free packed lunches to 400 daily, helped by donations from Rhino Safety, AutoSmart Crewe and Nantwich, the Melody Corporation and current Burnley star and former Alex player Ashley Westwood.

The meals are available on a first-come first served basis from the club shop in Gresty Road (200 daily from 10.30am), Crown Hotel in Nantwich (100 daily from 10.30am) and The Lower Chequer pub on Sandbach's market square (100 daily from 11am).

Crewe Cheshire East councillor Anthony Critchley has set up a Facebook page to co-ordinate support called 'NO CHILD IN CREWE AND NANTWICH GOES HUNGRY'. It can be found here.

The backlash against the government vote saw the Conservative Party's constituency offices in Nantwich targeted over the weekend by protestors who left messages expressing their dismay attached to children's toys.

Crewe and Nantwich Conservative MP Kieran Mullan was among those voting against the proposal.

The MP says the problem of child food poverty is best tackled through the welfare system, citing a £20 increase in Universal Credit payments and extra funding for local councils to provide help for poor families.

Do you know or are you an organisation that is offering free meals for children this half-term. Then tell Nub News about it at @CreweNub