A SURGE of support has come from local restaurants and cafes to make sure children don't go hungry this half term.

The outpouring of generosity and kindness follows the viral free school meals campaign started by footballer Marcus Rashford.

The 22 year old's campaigned ramped up in the past week after MPs rejected a bid from Labour to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021.

ALSO READ: Pub 'humbled' after punter drops off £1,000 cash for free school meals efforts

Instead, businesses including those across Reading, Bracknell, and Wokingham have stepped up to help those who need it most during half term.

A number of cafes and restaurants are offering free meals for those children who would normally be eligible for free school meals during term time.

Below is a list of local eateries taking part and where families can turn to for help locally.

If you know a business which is offering help and is not included please do get in touch in the comments below or by emailing news@readingchronicle.co.uk

NB: Each restaurant or cafe is providing varied offers, please contact the eatery for further details

ALSO READ: How Berkshire MP's voted on free school meals

Reading:

  • The Avenue Deli, Royal Avenue in Reading
  • Orsinos Coffee Company, Tilehurst Train Station
  • The Village Chocolate Cafe, Goring
  • Pierreponts Cafe in Goring
  • Shed Cafe, in Merchant's Place in Reading
  • Fox and Hounds in Gosbrook Road, Caversham
  • Zyka in Park Lane, Tilehurst
  • The Weller Centre in Amersham Road, Caversham
  • Mission Burrito in central Reading

Reading Borough Council and One Community Hub are also offering support on 0808 1894325

Bracknell and Wokingham:

  • The Plough and Harrow, in Newell Green, Bracknell
  • The Stag and Hounds, Forest Road in Binfield
  • Aroma Sandwich Bar in Denmark Street, Wokingham
  • Blue Orchid Bakery, Peach Street in Wokingham
  • Robyn's Nest Cafe in Maidenhead Road, Warfield
  • Joy Cafe, Broad Street in Wokingham
  • Churchill's Fish and Chips, Harman's Water in Bracknell
  • Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Old Wokingham Road, Wokingham
  • The Crooked Billet in Honey Hill, Wokingham
  • Lockey Farm Shop in Sindlesham Road, Aborfield
  • Zottadeli in Reading Road, Wokingham
  • The Lord Raglan in Denmark Street, Wokingham

There is also a community group that has been set up on Facebook to help those in Bracknell, just search Free Holiday Lunches For Bracknell Kids on Facebook.com