Free school meals support for Herefordshire children during half term
Over 4,700 young people will get food vouchers
Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges will continue to receive free school meals support during the May half term school holiday.
Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils, who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive a free food voucher up to the value of £15 or equivalent, directly through their schools - to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the break.
Children who are eligible for the early year's pupil premium and are not in a school setting, will receive a voucher posted direct from Herefordshire Council.
The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government's Household Support Fund.
The scheme aims to support vulnerable families who are struggling financially due to the rise in the cost of living.
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “School holidays can be an expensive time for parents and carers, so I’m pleased that the government’s Household Support Fund has enabled us to continue to run the food vouchers scheme in Herefordshire.”
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said: “This additional support is really important for families with children that are struggling financially due to the rise in the cost of living and will hopefully help with the extra expense incurred during school holidays.”