Vulnerable children in Surrey and Hampshire to receive food vouchers during October half term
£15 will be provided for each eligible child
Last updated 22nd Oct 2021
Food vouchers for children in Surrey and Hampshire on free school meals will be provided during the October half term break.
The £15 vouchers for each eligible person is being funded by the county councils with the money coming from the Government's Household Support Fund, given to local authorities to help support households in need during the winter.
Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Learning, said: “School holidays can be difficult times for families who struggle financially, so I am delighted to announce that Surrey County Council will be providing food vouchers for some of our most vulnerable families during the upcoming October half-term holiday.
"Throughout the pandemic, we have offered food vouchers to families whose children are entitled to benefits-related Free School Meals during every school holiday and we are conscious that many families are still facing financial pressure, so we hope these vouchers will help to ease the strain as we enter the winter period.”
Hampshire County Council said it was granting nearly £500,000 to cover the voucher scheme during the half term holiday.
Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, Roz Chadd, said: "“I am pleased that we are once again able to help vulnerable and low-income families during the school holidays.
"Our aim is to help ensure children and young people do not go without basic necessities, and have the support they need to remain nourished and well throughout the colder months."