BUSINESSES in Allerdale are rallying behind vulnerable children after the Government voted not to extend free school meal provision through the half term.

One of the businesses who is providing free lunch packs to help struggling families in their community is Mr Wilson’s Tea Rooms in Workington.

Owner Tracy Boughey said: “We’re offering anybody that needs help free lunch boxes."

The business saw the demand of vulnerable families in the area when they put a call out. “We have lunches going out each day this week,” said Tracy.

Lunch packs were sent out to 30 families in the area and the community has joined the cause.

Tracy said: “I wasn’t expecting so many people wanting to donate.”

The business did not expect the offers to fund their appeal.

“We had some hugely generous offers, but we haven’t taken them up – we want to fund it ourselves as much as we can.

“If it went into the hundreds I would have asked for help.”

Tracy set up Mr Wilson’s Tea Rooms in November 2019, next door to her brother’s shop, Sphera Antiques on King Street.

Tracy’s cafe doubles as an exhibition as it is themed around the 1940s complete with a Second World War air raid shelter.

Tracy’s staff wear authentic Land Girl costumes from the period.

The cafe owner has taken on new staff since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite seating being reduced to adapt under the measures.

“We’re busy – the difficult part about trading in this pandemic is you can’t fit as many people into a cafe," she said. "I’ve employed someone just to sanitise all day.

“Everything is table service now before they could get some things themselves.”

The team are staying strong in the face of Covid-19.

Tracy said: “All we care about is surviving. We’re really busy at the minute, we’re fully booked but that’s still with a lot less people.”

Customers can get in touch with the cafe to book a table on 01900 606700.

Support is also available for families at Distington Big Local. A spokesperson for the community centre said: “Although the Government has stopped providing meals in the half term to those children who are currently entitled to free school meals, the meals in Distington will be available for any child 0-18 years, no matter what their home circumstances or income.”

The Hungry Caterpillar in Workington has also joined in in support of struggling families.

Children receive a free meal at their Eden restaurant on Finkle Street with every paying adult during the half term.

Pizzas, chicken wraps and lunch bowls are available.

Booking is essential during the pandemic – call 01900601918 for a table.

The restaurant is also home to a children’s play area to keep youngsters occupied.

n We want to hear about more business owners who are going above and beyond for their customers during the pandemic.

Get in touch on the Times & Star Facebook page or via email: gareth.cavanagh@newsquest.co.uk