Leeds United squad pledge £25k to fund meals for vulnerable children over the school holidays

Leeds United’s squad are the latest group to give money to provide food for those in need over the school holidays.

Vocal campaigning by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford has brought the issue to the front of people’s minds and lots of people have decided to do what the current Government would not, and feed people who need it.

Leeds captain Liam Cooper announced on Twitter that the squad are donating £25k to Leeds’ Community Foundation’s “Healthy Holidays” program, which “supports thousands of families and carers struggling to feed children out of term time and is also set to run over school break”.

Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said on the Leeds Government news site: “No family should ever be faced with the worry and anxiety of not being able to provide for their children in the holidays, and we have always worked hard to ensure that every child who lives in poverty in Leeds can have access to healthy, nutritious food- alongside enriching activities- every holiday period.

“We are immensely proud of the work that is going on in Leeds, and all of the amazing individuals and organisations who are really making a difference.”

On top of this, many local restaurants and cafes have pledged that people who are in need and of school age can come to their establishment and receive a free meal throughout half-term. It is good to see people stepping up, although they shouldn’t need to be doing all this (remember this next time there’s a vote).

The Leeds fanbase has also been providing well this week. Fans who were refusing to pay the ridiculous £15 to watch the 3-0 win over Aston Villa, instead donated their money to the ‘Leeds Fans Foodbank’ run by the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust. In the five days running up the match, the foodbank received £50k in donations.

Side before self - every time. It isn’t just Leeds fans, it’s how people should be. It’s good to see that people still believe that even if those in power don’t. I am proud of this football club and the squad themselves.