Businesses and a local council in Boris Johnson’s own constituency are stepping up to offer free meals to school-children who are eligible, following the Government’s decision not to extend them over the half-term break.

Hillingdon Council tweeted on Friday that they would be offering free school meals to all eligible children, and fleshed out the scheme earlier today.

One such business in Uxbridge offering free meals delivered to people’s homes is Bar Italia, a family run restaurant and cocktail bar which is on Uxbridge High Street.

Lawrence Santi, Bar Italia’s owner said: “Life is not just about doing the right thing at the right time it’s sometimes about doing the right thing at the wrong time; MLG are a hospitality business struggling like all other hospitality businesses across the U.K. 

“However tough it’s been, or going to be, we still have food in our bellies. Many children don’t even have that. We couldn’t just stand by and let that happen.”

Hillingdon Council are also offering their support, and explained that they are contacting families eligible for free school meals.

A council statement said: “We recognise that many families are facing financial hardships, so we have introduced a food assistance scheme to support children of low-income families during October half term.

“For each eligible child, families will receive a supermarket voucher for £15 to spend on food during the October half-term break.

“If you think you may be eligible for this support but have not been contacted by the council by 9am on Tuesday 27 October, please call 01895 556000.”

Parliament voted 322-261 against a proposal by Labour to extend free school meals until the end of the Christmas holidays on Wednesday, after a petition by footballer Marcus Rashford to end child poverty went viral.

Rashford, who was awarded an MBE earlier in the year for his campaigning, has not only started the petition, which has since reached over 900,000 signatures, but has turned his Twitter into a hub for businesses and councils to connect and offer free school meals.

Rashford tweeted out a picture of Bar Italia’s Facebook statement, which they used to announce the donation.

The statement said: “Bar Italia are offering a free meal for any child in need this half term.

“If you’re struggling please message us privately and we will provide a tasty and nutritious meal delivered to you for your child. No strings, and nobody has to know. No child should go hungry this half term.”

The restaurant had to restock on pasta supplies, as they have already provided meals to many families.

Businesses and local councils across the country have rallied against the decision by the Government to offer their support for children eligible for free school meals.