Free meals Monday goes down a treat

A RESTAURANT owner who had a bumper month decided to give something back to the community by dishing out free meals to those who could not afford them.

David Lister, owner of E’Lupo’s on Effingham Street, fed about 50 people last Monday night, dubbed Free Meals Monday, after raising more than £1,300 in five days.

The Italian restaurant has had its best month in 35 years thanks to the Government’s Eat Out To Help Out scheme, which sees restaurants offering half-price food and soft drinks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

Mr Lister (33), who has worked at E’Lupo’s for 19 years, said the restaurant had been booked up every night twice over since they opened their doors at the start of the month.

“In recognition of that we wanted to do something for the town,” he said.

“I grew up on a council estate in Rawmarsh and it sprang to my mind that there would be people who wouldn’t be able to afford to eat out.”

Mr Lister said he had decided he would offer free meals to those who had lost their jobs, were relying on benefits, had no income or whose businesses had not survived Covid-19, or anyone who had used a foodbank.

All eight members of staff, including Mr Lister, worked for free, cooking and serving three-course meals.

Mr Lister said that initially he had not intended to raise money to fund the food but because they had so many offers of help he launched a fundraising page.

He said: “I had set a target of £250. Within six minutes I hit that target and we raised £1,200 over the weekend.

“We have ended up with the cost of the meals being covered and we have surplus funds.”

Mr Lister said he would be offering £20 meal vouchers to those who could not get a booking for Monday and others who could not afford to eat a meal out.

“This has received overwhelming support and it’s a real testament to just how great a community we have got in Rotherham,” he said.

“It’s not an affluent area but we have still got people in Rotherham who are willing to give a little to help out those in need.

“It may well be something we can run again in the future given the support it received.”

Donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/freemealmonday and surplus money will pay for more meal vouchers for those who cannot afford to eat out.