Marcus Rashford relied on the kindness of strangers to create a much larger force than parliament in order to tackle food poverty, after his motion was defeated in parliament.
Rashford's attempt to get the government to provide meals for the United Kingdom's poorest children was defeated in parliament on Wednesday, yet on Thursday the Manchester United star united several people to continue on this battle.
After a Labour motion to provide 1.4 million disadvantaged children in England with food vouchers during holidays up until Easter 2021 was voted against by the government, several restaurants, bars and cafes, all of which being hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, contacted the United forward with offers to help the cause.
The Englishman's campaign to end child food poverty has been calling for an extension of free school meals to 1.4 million more UK children, and an increase in the Healthy Start fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers' value for pregnant woman that have relatively low incomes, as well as an expansion of charity-led holiday schemes aiming to curb hunger.
By Thursday night, Rashford had already stated his intention, tweeting "Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term. Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know," also telling people to "Add #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY to your tweets so I can track them. I will share as many as I can."
Afterwards, he shared several screenshots from local Facebook sites, with there being indications as to where help can be found, with offers coming from numerous places, including Wigan, Watford, Liverpool and Hull.
One particular observer claimed that "Marcus Rashford appears to have set up an alternative government."
Even several companies that have no background in hospitality offered their support to the cause, with some offering packed lunches, whilst others offered lunch bags.
Councils have also joined the campaign, with the Redbridge councillor stating "If the government will not feed hungry children, this London borough will."
Additionally, London mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated that "If you need reminding that our country is far better and more generous than this government, have a look at @MarcusRashford's twitter feed this morning. #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY".
It is remarkable that a player is putting so much pressure on the government for such a good cause, and with his football form starting to pick up, everything seems to be going right for him.
Rashford has scored four goals and provided two assists in seven games in all competitions so far this season, and his off-the-field work has continued to put him in the headlines this season.
