Champion Boxer Fights to Overcome Child Poverty

Barry McGuigan, the former featherweight world champion, has teamed up with Canterbury Food Bank in Kent. He aims to reduce shame around using food aid and to encourage more donations.

Support during the Easter holidays

The food bank says Easter is one of its busiest periods. Children lose access to free school meals during the break.

Volunteers expect to feed about 1,000 children across the two-week holiday. They plan to distribute food enough for roughly 6,000 meals.

Rising need and recent figures

Trustees report demand is higher than ever. Last year the charity supplied ingredients for roughly 135,000 meals.

That total marked an 18% rise compared with the previous year. The charity had hoped numbers would fall but they continued to climb.

National statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions estimate 4.45 million children live in households on relatively low incomes. In the South East, about 12% of children are in that position.

A 2024 Trussell Trust survey found one in 12 working adults had used some form of charitable food provision. The government says its child poverty strategy aims to lift around 550,000 children out of poverty by 2030.

Voices from the campaign

McGuigan says many families face difficult choices. He highlights single parents struggling to meet basic costs.

David Holt, the food bank’s chair of trustees, warned the need keeps growing. He urged local people to donate when they can.

Removing stigma and encouraging help

The campaign stresses there is no shame in seeking food assistance. People who are hungry are encouraged to request support.

Supporters have described the initiative as Champion Boxer Fights to Overcome Child Poverty. The label reflects McGuigan’s profile and the campaign’s focus.

How to contribute

The food bank welcomes donations of food and funds. Volunteers also need time to sort and distribute supplies.

Filmogaz.com covered the story and encourages readers to support local food banks. Small donations can make a big difference to children and families in need.