Mars Food joins footballer Marcus Rashford's Child Food Poverty Task Force

Mars Food has confirmed they will join Manchester United player Marcus Rashford’s Child Food Poverty Task Forcea along with several other big food brands.

Known for producing Dolmio and Uncle Ben’s, Mars Food will support the key policy recommendations put forward to the government calling for better equality in the UK’s food system.

Mr Rashford was inspired to set up the task force after campaigning for emergency coronavirus holiday meals scheme to be extended across all school breaks.

Should this be approved, an additional 1.5 million youngsters aged 16 and under will benefit from these changes.

So far, Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Deliveroo, FareShare, Food Foundation, Iceland, Kellogg’s, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – have all backed proposals from the 22-year-old and the National Food Strategy.

Earlier this year Mars Food has also been building on its partnership with the Trussell Trust, encouraging the nation to STAND AGAINST HUNGER®.

Research commissioned for this partnership revealed that 77% of people are worried about the negative impact the pandemic may have on poverty and children’s access to healthy meals.

Mr Rashford said: “This has always been an inclusive Task Force and there is so much power in us standing together on this very serious issue of child food poverty.

“The addition of Mars Food strengthens our messaging and offers us a greater platform for voices to be heard.

“I am proud that this Task Force, with the addition of Mars Food, is committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable children in the UK. We must protect and support the next generation.”

Craig Sargeant, general manager at Mars Food said: "We are proud to stand alongside Marcus during this moment and show our support for the campaign.

“We know we have a platform to elevate this important social issue and we believe our voice can help make a difference to families who are trapped in poverty.

“This year we are already working with the Trussell Trust to Stand Against Hunger and support the distribution of two million meals to vulnerable families and raise awareness of the issue of poverty in the UK.”