Council's pledge to help 8,000 Buckinghamshire children on free school meals
They're spending over £120k to make sure families get the right help.
Around 8,000 children are on free school meals in Buckinghamshire and now the Council is helping them out over half term.
They are trying to co-ordinate the help available on offer, from charities to supermarkets, after pledging £120k as part of their 'Helping Hand' scheme.
What are Buckinghamshire Council doing?
- Running an emergency, targeted response for October half term to support those in hardship
- This will be delivered by the Council through the Contact Centre number - people can also drop into 'Council Access Plus' points in Aylesbury and Amersham and High Wycombe Library
- Where appropriate, the Council's Contact Centre will signpost people to local community solutions and foodbanks
- Where this is not appropriate or possible, the Council will arrange for food boxes or supermarket food vouchers
- Contact Centre will log the details of everyone who receives support so that they can ensure no double funding
Long-term planning
The council, with their partners in the voluntary sector, have already spent over £180,000 on food for families in need.
In addition, they already have plans to develop a number of longer term programmes to assist the most vulnerable, with programmes aimed at early intervention, manage family finance and with £120,000 committed to schemes to help residents grow their own food, if they can, and learning how to cook healthy food on a low budget.
Bucks Council say that during autumn half term they want to ensure that families across Bucks, with children eligible for free school meals, know how to access the wide range of support that is available.
The 'Helping Hand' team can help direct people to the support that is right for them.
This may be from the voluntary or community sector or direct from the council.
If anyone is worried about food over half term, and not sure what help is available, contact the council's 'Helping Hand' support line on 01296 395000, and someone will be 'on hand' to help you.
This programme is funded by joint support from the Government's Hardship Fund provided to local councils over the summer and Buckinghamshire Council.
Martin Tett, Leader of the Council, said:
"We don't want any child in Buckinghamshire to go hungry this holiday. As a council we are committed to ensuring that does not happen.
"We know how fantastic our communities are with supporting each other during times of crisis, there is lots of local support available.
"We also know it isn't always that easy to know where to turn, so I would encourage anyone with a child who is eligible for free school meals and is worried, to contact us so we can ensure they can get access to the support they need. We are here and can offer that practical help, including links to supermarkets if needed too."