I AM very proud of Colchester residents and businesses who have stepped up this week to feed hungry children.

No matter what has caused a child to go hungry, a hungry child is a hungry child, we must help them.

It seems that the vast majority of our borough feel this way, and many have stepped in where the government have failed.

I was surprised that the government did not u-turn on this issue.

Many of us in schools and councils expected that the government would see sense. Sadly, it did not.

The outpouring of support from businesses, organisations, and individuals has been heart-warming.

Many of these businesses are suffering themselves from the impacts of Covid, but they understand that providing meals for hungry children is best way forward.

It has been really helpful that most businesses have not asked for personal details or checks to be done when giving out free meals; instead, most have simply offered help to anyone presenting with a need.

During Covid we have sadly seen many jobs lost and families who have never claimed any support before now finding it tough.

Furthermore, many parents receiving free school meals do work, but find low wages don’t cover all of the rent, heating, food and everything else.

So, there is a need, no matter what judgement you may have of some people’s choices. Some families have little or no choice.

As a teacher, over many years I have seen the science and the real life effects first-hand, of undernourished children. They are tired, distracted and simply can’t learn as well or keep up with other students.

This puts them on a difficult path from the start. For the good of society as a whole, we need to take action and support them to have a better start in life.

Simply providing them with a regular breakfast and lunch could change child’s life.

At Colchester Council, we provide support for those in need in a variety of ways.

When I realised the government was not going to change its mind, I asked officers to respond.

I am proud of their efforts, working late and over the weekend, to ensure that we had a coordinated support effort in place on Monday.

Thank you so much to partners from One Colchester, particularly Community 360, who have once again mobilised ready to provide support, deliveries and take donations to ensure other organisations can make the meals needed and get them to hungry children.

Please visit the Colchester Council website for a full list of businesses and charities taking part in feeding our children.

All of their contact details are there, enabling anyone to easily get in touch and get a meal.

There is an interactive map, regularly updated with fantastic offers of help, and if you feel you can offer support, you can connect with the council or Community 360 via www.colchester.gov.uk/food-support/.

All it leaves me to say is thank you. This shows the best of our borough.

Thank you to council staff, Community 360 and ALL of those amazing businesses who have stepped up. You are a credit to Colchester.