Krishnan Guru-Murthy has divided opinion on social media after he offered a new perspective on the outcry over free school meals.
The Channel 4 News anchor joined swathes of Twitter users to comment on the highly contentious decision not to extend the provision through the school holidays.
Labour’s motion, which called for the scheme to be extended until Easter 2021, was defeated by 261 votes to 322 on Wednesday.
But as Opposition MPs and scores of other Britons responded with outrage and despair at the outcome, Mr Guru-Murthy floated a different approach to helping the 1.4 million children in need.
“I wonder how many children's meals could be paid for if everyone tweeting about child hunger in Britain could afford to donate whatever they spent on their own food in a day to the charity Marcus Rashford supports: FareShareUK,” he wrote.
Within hours, his tweet garnered more than 5,500 likes and 2,000 retweets.
One user shared the post writing: “I will. Can you get everyone at Channel 4 News to do the same? Let's make this a thing.”
Another wrote: “Great idea. I make a monthly donation when I do my food shop to the Trussell Trust as Morrisons let you add it to your online basket. Super easy.”
However, others were left shocked and infuriated by the suggestion.
“Are we really in a position where charity should have to provide food on the table to our children?” commented one user.
“I did donate to my local scheme to feed children during the holidays. But I shouldn't have to donate. That is what I pay tax for,” wrote another.
Another added: “It will be our money, our donations to food banks, our community spirit that helps people in these times Krishnan.
“That will continue to happen but it shouldn’t have to Krishnan; that my friend is the point.”
Another wrote sardonically: “You're right, Krishnan, we are sorry we've failed the Government like this.”
The Standard has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
