RESTAURANTS and cafes across Somerset are getting behind Marcus Rashford's campaign to give free school meals to the nation's vulnerable families.

The Manchester United forward's campaign saw the Government u-turn and provide free meals to qualifying children during the summer holidays.

But a vote last week saw the Government refuse to extend those free school meals to upcoming school holidays.

The motion was defeated in the House of Commons by 322 votes to 261 - a majority of 61.

Five Conservative MPs voted in support of the motion, going against their party line, but Somerset MPs Rebecca Pow (Taunton Deane), Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset), Marcus Fysh (Yeovil), Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset), David Warburton (Somerton and Frome) and John Penrose (Weston super mare) voted against the meal scheme's extension.

Wells MP James Heappey did not record a vote. 

READ MORE: How Somerset MPs voted on the motion to extend free school meals

Ever since, eating establishments across England have been coming out in support of Rashford's efforts, and offered free school meals to families who qualify.

The Premier League forward's petition has also received 800,000 signatures.

Rashford, whose Man Utd side drew 0-0 against Chelsea at the weekend, has been using his Twitter page to share the locations of these generous establishments.

Businesses using #FreeSchoolMeals have also been collated on the website allofustogether.uk.

Here are some of the Somerset eateries offering free meals for vulnerable children:

  • The Tudor Hotel, Bridgwater

They will be offering 100 children’s meals over half term to those in need. 20 meals will be available each day, from Monday to Friday.

Each bag will contain: Cheesy pasta (to reheat at home), a piece of fruit, and rocky road donated by Dodges Delectables

Call them on 01278 422093 to claim your free child’s meal and arrange a pick up time.

  • The Victoria Hotel, in Burnham-on-Sea

Staff took to social media to announce their support of Rashfords' effort.

They said: "Hey Guys, from tomorrow (Monday) until Friday between 12-3 we will be providing free takeaway meals to any children eligible for school meals."

The meal will include a sandwich, crisps, fruit and a drink.

They added: "Pop us a message or call us on 01278 783213 to let us know how many children and if there is any allergen information. This will be done with discretion We’re a great community and we all believe no child should go hungry."

For more, visit facebook.com/TheNewVic2017.

  • Bilby's Coffee Shop, Crewkerne

"During half term, Bilbys along with support from The Veg Shed and Pinkey Promised, we will stand alongside Marcus Rashford and his campaign against Child Food Poverty," said the owners of Bilby's.

They added: "No child should go hungry. So to that end, from Monday through til Friday, from 12pm til 2pm we will have a ‘free school meal’ available. We will publish our menu shortly."

For more information, you can contact the business through facebook.com/Bilbyscoffeeshop.

  • Cafe Square, Ilminster

​Free school meals here are being provided thanks to the town's Powrmatic factory.

The heating, ventilation and air conditioning business issued a statement over the weekend.

It said: "In light of recent government decisions regarding FSM, as of Monday, October 26, during this half term, each day Powrmatic will be providing 50 free school lunches for those families most in need in Ilminster and the surrounding areas.

"We have teamed up with our local suppliers at Cafe Square in Ilminster who will be handing out the 50 packed lunches each day between 10.30am to 2pm from Monday, October 26."

For more information, visit facebook.com/cafesquareilm.

  • Bridge Restaurant, Bridgwater

Julian and the team at Bridge Restaurant announced their support for Marcus Rashford on Friday (OCtober 23).

They said: "We are joining other local businesses, and many nationwide, to support our community in need.

"Our finances have taken a massive hit this year, and we are just about hanging by a thread, yet we find ourselves in a privileged position compared to what so many families in need are going through.

"We don't have much, however we will do as much as we can to help a family (or more) to go through half-term without worrying whether their children will be fed.

"We will be offering kids packed lunches next week for you to take away at home; Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30.

"Each bag/pack will contain: a sandwich or roll, packet of crisps, a fruit, bottle of fruitshoot, and a small cake.

"Prior reservation mandatory, no walk-ins (apologies), please collect between noon and 2pm. Please send an email with your telephone number & your child's name to thebridgerestaurant@outlook.com.

"Without our community, we are nothing. And you are not alone."

The business owners said: "Next week we will be offering free meals for children in Taunton, no questions asked or forms to fill in.

"Please share this with everyone locally so we are able to reach those in need of some help.

"They will be available from our Priorswood trade counter from Monday to Friday.

"Please arrive between these two time frames: 11:00am - 12:30pm, or 1:30pm - 3:00pm.

"If you can’t make these times, send us a message and we will do our best to accommodate.

"There will be a choice of a hot meal or a cold packed lunch for each child, one meal per child.

"The meals will be stored in our Click & Collect Van at the front of our depot. Just come in the front door and ask for a child’s meal. The lovely Jude or Cleo will then provide you with a free meal for each child present."

For more, visit facebook.com/grubsup0.

  • The Purplespoon, Bridgwater

​The cafe is based at the George Williams Centre in Frairn Avenue, and can be reached on 01278 726011.

The business launched a GoFundMe page where peple can donate to cover the cost of a local child's meal.

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/you-treat-they-eat to help out.

They said: "Here at The Purplespoon, the community has always been our heart. We operate a business built on kindness, respect and care for others and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved over the years.

"From hosting community meals to our Pay-it-Forward scheme for rough sleepers. From employing young residents of the YMCA to holding events that support the integration of refugees and different ethnic backgrounds into Bridgwater life.

"We are an ethical business that is driven by helping and supporting others. But now, we want to do more.The support we have received for our Pay-it-Forward homeless scheme has been phenomenal and we thank each and every person who has contributed.

"With the guidance and assistance of the local Village Agents, we will distribute our home cooked, reheat-able meals to people who need them.  And so, we have set up our new GoFundMe site in order to make this goal a reality and we need your help."

A donation of £1.50 will pay for one meal for one person, and £5 will cover the cost of a meal for a whole family.