Marcus Rashford, a 26-year-old forward for Manchester United, remains a strong advocate against child hunger, drawing inspiration from his own experiences in childhood.

After the Tory government dismissed his proposal to provide meals for 1.4 million underprivileged children during the holidays, Rashford and his mother, Melanie, showed their commitment to assisting families in need by volunteering at a food bank.

Having grown up in Wythenshawe relying on free school lunches, Rashford often reflects on the challenges his mother faced while working 14-hour shifts to support him and his brothers. His relentless advocacy is fueled by the haunting memory of hearing her cry in distress.

Rashford visited the Melanie-named new FareShare facility yesterday, which will increase the organization’s ability to distribute food by three times. “When we stumble, there will always be a community to pick us up,” he said, reflecting on the crucial role food banks play while assisting with the movement of grocery cartons. The food bank is that community to many.

Rashford praised the selflessness of food bank volunteers, many of whom have faced personal challenges, such as job loss during the pandemic, yet continue to help others. “In cities, towns, and villages, those who assist the most vulnerable are the true heroes of this country,” he remarked.

When Karina Tiplady, a FareShare volunteer, met Rashford at the Greater Manchester warehouse, she described him as “so humble,” noting it was inspiring to see his dedication to preventing others from experiencing the hardships he and his family endured.

Thanks to Rashford’s efforts, businesses and individuals across the UK have come together to offer free meals and support to those in need