There was a show of strength this week as the community rallied together to keep little ones fed this half-term.

Nell's Cafe at Marling Cross, Gravesend and The Salon Hair and Beauty in Pelham Road have taken it upon themselves to support the most vulnerable.

The government has so far batted away a campaign – led by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford – to fund £15-a-week provision of school meals during the half-term and Christmas breaks.

More than 52,000 children in Kent are eligible for free school meals.

As one foodbank in Gravesham reported a 40% increase in use since lockdown started, many stepped forward to feed hungry mouths.

Sandra Hassan, owner of Nell's Cafe, just off the A2, pledged to provide a free packed lunch for any child eligible for free school meals this half-term.

"No child should go hungry in this country," she said."We are prepared to give any child in Gravesend who is missing out on this a free packed lunch to take away.

"It's not much – just a sandwich and a bit of fruit and a drink – but it breaks my heart that any child should have to go without food in these critical times because of politicians.

"I've put it on our website and we now hope other businesses follow suit and do the same thing."

The Salon Hair and Beauty has been giving away five free lunch bags every day throughout half-term. The lunches include a sandwich, fruit, juice and a snack.

A spokesman said: "We love to help our community. We are here to help and serve our local community as best we can so please if you are in need of this extra help or know of any families that are, contact us."

Ms Earlyn's, which serves Caribbean food in Gravesend Borough Market, is giving away 15 of its school meal deals every day throughout half-term.

Gravesham council had already distributed "£55,000 of grant funding to eight local organisations to help continue to support those suffering from hardship as a result of Covid-19".

Recipients included the Hive Hope foodbank in Northfleet and the Gravesham foodbank in the Riverside Centre, Dickens Road, Gravesend.

Cllr John Burden, leader of Gravesham council, said: "Many parents have lost their jobs or are facing reduced income as a direct result of Covid-19, and will possibly be facing financial hardship for the first time in their lives.

"Keeping their child fed should not be an additional worry."

Kent County Council announced this week vouchers for food would be available during half-term for families whose children are eligible for free school meals.

A dedicated helpline has been set up and is now open so that Kent’s low-income families are able to quickly and easily access the help they need when they need it most, including during the school holidays.

Families who apply will receive one voucher of £15 per child. Anyone eligible should visit its website or call the dedicated helpline on 03000 41 24 24. The deadline to apply is Monday, November 2 by 5pm.

Project manager of Gravesham Foodbank, David Idowu, said: "We've seen about a 40% increase in the use of our foodbank since lockdown started.

"It's hard to say how busy we will be in half-term as it has only just started, but it is safe to say we have already seen a lot of people.

"Please do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help as there is always help within the community."

Claire Noordally, of the Gravesham Foodbank Core Team at the Riverside Centre, said: "We have seen an increase in people using our foodbank.

"Frequent issues have been in regard to those homeless who have been housed by their councils but who have no access to the frequently mentioned Universal Credit, as this takes time to process a change of address or in fact any change.

"We have also seen an increase in clients fleeing domestic violence and families struggling to manage, as now all are at home all of the time.

"Please do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help as there is always help within the community."

"There was an issue about delays in the free school meals system working but this did right itself over the summer.

"We have been busy over the last few weeks but we do have the privilege of working as part of a unified effort with other charities and agencies.

"The Gurdwara, City Praise and the Make Lunch initiative have all provided meals. Hive Hope – our neighbouring Foodbank at Northfleet – has shared the burden of responding to people in crisis and Sanctuary has continued to support those who find themselves homeless.

"The borough council released workers to support foodbank through the lockdown period and continues to be alert to any needs we may have."

"Please don’t go without. Please do seek help."

And she offered this advice to parents who were finding themselves struggling: "There is a lot of goodwill and practical support in this locality with many people from different walks of life thinking of others needs in practical ways. Please don’t go without. Please do seek help. There are friendly (masked) faces waiting to help you.

Meanwhile, the KentTogether helpline remains open for any Kent resident who needs support with food, collection of medication and prescriptions and other urgent needs during the pandemic.

You can get help here or by calling 03000 41 92 92.

additional reporting by Will Payne

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend