Marcus Rashford has shown what an incredible person he is throughout this coronavirus pandemic.Last month, the Manchester United forward received a special recognition award in honour of the charity work he has contributed to during the crisis.Rashford has raised £20 million and fed three million kids a week through FareShare, a charity which helps fight hunger and food waste. As a reward, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O'Neal, sent Rashford a special certificate.But the 22-year-old hasn’t stopped there.He’s now written an open letter to MPs urging the continuation of food voucher scheme during school holidays.
When schools were closed in March, a food voucher scheme was set up to guarantee meals to children who relied on food being provided at school. Vouchers worth £15 are available to spend each week in supermarkets.
However, the scheme is due to end next month and not continue throughout the summer holidays.
And Rashford has now urged the government to rethink that decision.
“The government has taken a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to the economy - I'm asking you today to extend that same thinking to protecting all vulnerable children across England,' Rashford wrote.
"I encourage you to hear their pleas and find your humanity. Please reconsider your decision to cancel the food voucher scheme over the summer holiday period and guarantee the extension.
"This is England in 2020, and this is an issue that needs urgent assistance.
"Please, while the eyes of the nation are on you, make the U-turn and make protecting the lives of some of our most vulnerable a top priority.
"As a black man from a low-income family in Wythenshawe, Manchester, I could have been just another statistic.
"Instead, due to the selfless actions of my mum, my family, my neighbours, and my coaches, the only stats I'm associated with are goals, appearances and caps.
"I would be doing myself, my family and my community an injustice if I didn't stand here today with my voice and my platform and ask you for help.
"This summer should have been filled with pride once more, parents and children waving their flags.
"But, in reality, Wembley Stadium could be filled more than twice with children who have had to skip meals during lockdown - 200,000 children according to Food Foundation estimates.
"As their stomachs grumble, I wonder if those 200,000 children will ever be proud enough of their country to pull on the England national team shirt one day and sing the National Anthem from the stands.
"Can we not all agree that no child should be going to bed hungry?"
What a guy.