Rashford steps up campaign to tackle childhood poverty

Marcus Rashford is not stopping in his fight to help children across the United Kingdom at risk of going hungry.

The Manchester United star has formed a task force with leading figures from the food industry and written an open letter to the UK Government calling for action. 

Early on during the coronavirus pandemic, Rashford, along with charitable food distributor network FareShare, helped to raise £20million and provide 2.8m children with meals while schools were closed.

The forward received a special recognition award from the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and praise for his community work from Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters among others.

But the 22-year-old's efforts have not stopped there. He is determined to continue his quest to reduce childhood poverty.

Now he wants to aid a further 2.6m children in need by expanding free school meals and holiday provision and increasing the value of Healthy Start vouchers, which would also benefit an additional 290,000 pregnant women. 

'Don't be scared to ask for help'

"We had to think about the best way to do it, to think about how these families can eat long term and not have any issues," Rashford told the BBC.

"We wanted to do it the best way we could, by introducing the best people into our group, and using them to push it even more.

"At times, I feel that people think they are being looked down on if they ask for help. I think, in this generation, that is something that should change.

"You should feel free if you want to ask for help for anything. Hold your head up high and if you need help, go and get help."