The owner of Subway in Swadlincote says he will be offering food packs for children after the removal of free school meals during the half term break.

Rishi Bajaj says that no child will go hungry in the area - and that he is 'saddened and disappointed' by the current state of affairs.

From Monday, he has decided to offer a free meal pack for children who would normally get this while at school.

Rishi says he is not happy with the recent removal of free school meals bring during the half term break.

And he says the gesture is because he 'will not sit back and watch this happen'.

On Wednesday evening, MPs rejected the Labour motion by 322 votes to 261.

Home Office Minister Kit Malthouse insisted the government was helping low-income families through the welfare system.

This despite Manchester United player Marcus Rashford raising the profile of the subject this year and gaining huge publicity as a result.

Now Rishi has stepped in to make sure there are meals available for children in the Swadlincote area at Subway's Hepworth Retail Park branch.

He has posted on Facebook to explain what he how he plans to make the food available and he told Swadlincote Nub News: "I hope it raises awareness."

Rishi's heartfelt social media post reads: "Hi everyone, I am the owner of the Subway in Swadlincote and personally I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the recent of the removal of free school meals during the half team break for those children who need them the most.

"Whilst I have a food establishment in Swadlincote, no child within our community will go hungry!

"I will not just sit back and watch this happen. So .... I have briefed my team and from Monday 26/10/2020 I have decided to offer a free Kids Pack Meal to those young ones who would ordinarily have access to a free meal whilst at school.

"If you are unable or struggling to feed your child this half term please let my team take the stress from you.

"Be assured that we will feed your children and they will not go hungry, we will continue to feed children who are most in need right up until the end of half term, 30/10/2020.

"If your children are eligible for a free meal then please send the store manager Charlotte Hunt a direct message and she will arrange for you to collect a meal for your child.

"Please be assured that your request will be dealt with the upmost discretion.

"Again, whilst I have a food establishment in Swadlincote, no child in OUR community will go hungry this half term."