Wythenshawe Hails Local ‘Hero’ Marcus Rashford

Wythenshawe is so proud of their ‘local hero’ Marcus Rashford, who this week successfully persuaded the government to extend their free school meal vouchers scheme in England throughout the summer, after penning an open letter to MPs in as part of his #maketheUturn campaign

At only 22, the Northern Moor born Manchester United and England forward was already a hero to many in the red half of the city but in doing this has used his position to highlight the issue and become an inspiration to people across the UK and a symbol for what can be achieved if we work together.

Born and raised in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, Marcus was a pupil at Button Lane Primary School and attended Manchester United Foundation’s Street Reds programme at Manchester Health Academy,  from here he gone on to break George Best’s record as the youngest player to score in Europe for Manchester United and play for England in the World Cup in Russia in 2018.

At still at such a young age, Rashford has already achieved so much in the game but still has his best years ahead of him. He has become a role model for many here in Wythenshawe and has roots in the great community.

Unfortunately Food Poverty is still a major issue in Greater Manchester and Wythenshawe. The Wythenshawe Foodbank (Unit-e) is based in the Civic Centre and helps to supply foodbanks in the area.

  • Since lockdown started they have distributed a total of 9,495 Foodbank meals  and 6.46 Tonnes of food parcels distributed to Wythenshawe residents
  • 1,242 meals distributed in partnership with MCC Covid Food Response & WCHG Youth Team and Over 500 Easer Eggs. 1,000 Loaves/Bread Buns Distributed from Unit E supported by Martins Bakery in North Manchester
  • They have received donations from Morrisons, Asda, Tesco, Lidl and Farmfoods, 1,068 cakes supplied by St Pierre Bakery and 320 hot meals cooked by Blanchflower Restaurant

And it’s not just the work of the Foodbank, the Wythenshawe community has been united during the COVID-19 outbreak

  • The youth team have also delivered 143 hours of volunteering at Unit E, delivering food bank parcels and continue to support the unit 3 days a week.
  • The Catering Team at the Woodhouse Park Lifestyle Centre have cooked over 1,872 hot meals which have been delivered to customers by colleagues from our Wythenshawe Works Team.
  • Volunteers at the Bideford Community Centre have handed out over 10,000 hot meals, grab/ treat bags since the start of lockdown

For more information contact Unit E by:

Telephone: 07410943950

Twitter: @wythfoodbank

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wythfoodbank