I’ve recently spoken out about the pressure placed on foodbanks during the summer holidays, when circumstances for too many families get desperate. For many children the only hot meal in their day is the one they have at school, and missing out for weeks is a serious problem.

That’s why I’m happy to support the Provision of Meals for Children (School Holidays) Bill, tabled by Frank Field, which would give councils the powers and resources they need to support charities and other programmes providing meals during the school holidays.

This Bill could protect many children from hunger during the holidays, and I hope it succeeds in Parliament. Until then, local food banks are struggling at this time of year, and if you’d like to make a donation you can visit the websites for Grace Foodbank, Gleadless Valley Foodbank and the S2 Foodbank using the links provided. As always, my office at 63 Chesterfield Road is also open as a foodbank collection point.