(CNN) After Conservative Party lawmakers voted down a scheme to provide free meals for hungry school children over Christmas, England international footballer Marcus Rashford is forging a national coalition to fill the void. Rashford had been pressuring the government to extend the school meal voucher scheme during the school break. He had called for the government to extend a scheme to provide 1.5 million children with food vouchers during holidays until Easter 2021. The Manchester United forward is now using his sizable social media following to promote businesses and councils who are offering free meals during the school break. On Friday, Rashford retweeted dozens of offers around the country.

Source: CNN October 23, 2020 12:33 UTC