Marcus Rashford: The Man off the Field

By Kurtis Ottey

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Marcus Rashford is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Manchester United and the England national team. While Rashford is known for his skills on the pitch, he has also made significant contributions off the field, particularly in the areas of social justice and advocacy.

One of Rashford's most notable off-field accomplishments is his campaign to end child food poverty in the United Kingdom. In June 2020, Rashford wrote an open letter to Members of Parliament, urging them to take action to address the issue of children going hungry during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts resulted in the UK government reversing its decision to end free school meals for disadvantaged children during the summer holidays.

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“Education is only effective when children can engage in learning. Right now, a generation who have already been penalized during this pandemic with lack of access to educational resources are now back in school struggling to concentrate due to worry and the sound of their rumbling stomachs.” – Marcus Rashford

Rashford has continued to be a vocal advocate for addressing child food poverty, and has partnered with various organizations to provide meals for disadvantaged children. In December 2020, he launched a campaign called "Full Time", which aimed to raise funds to provide meals for children in need over the holiday season. The campaign was successful in raising over £20 million (24 Million Dollars) and providing meals for over a million children.

In addition to his efforts to end child food poverty, Rashford has also used his platform to speak out on other social issues. He has been an advocate for racial justice, and has spoken out against discrimination and racism in soccer and in society at large. Rashford has also been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about mental health, and has encouraged people to seek help and support if they are struggling with their mental health.

Overall, Marcus Rashford has made significant contributions off the field through his advocacy and activism on a range of social issues. His efforts to end child food poverty and his commitment to speaking out on social issues have made him a role model and an inspiration to many.