Plymouth mums and caregivers are being asked to join in a Mother's Day hunger strike. Campaigners want to raise awareness of child hunger with the one-day nationwide action - and show solidarity with those who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.
Campaign group Mothers Manifesto says people can take a stand on the day of celebration with a "powerful act of protest" rather than cards and flowers. It is calling for "urgent government intervention" on the issue.
Its manifesto calls on the Government to back universal free school meals, an "Essentials Guarantee" for Universal Credit and make stronger commitments to global food security, climate action and debt justice.
Campaigners will also raise awareness by coming together at Mother's Day events all over the UK, including at the Sundial in Plymouth city centre from 11m to 4pm. This year Mother's Day is on Sunday, March 30.
Emma Hopkins, organiser of the Mothers Manifesto movement, said: "In cities across the UK, we see mothers and fathers making impossible choices every day - skipping meals to feed their children, cutting back on essentials and still coming up short. We cannot stand by while families suffer. We are calling on the government to act now and to address the structural inequality driving food poverty."
Campaigners are also organising a five-day hunger strike outside Parliament, where they will demand action to tackle the food poverty crisis. They argue that it is "political failure" pushing families to the brink and being unable to afford enough food.
Emma added: "We need people across the UK to rise up and demand the changes that will make a real difference for families. This isn’t just about food - this is about justice for every mother and every child who deserves the security and support they need to thrive."
For more information, to sign the Manifesto, or to join the hunger strike, visit www.mothermanifesto.com
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