Free school meal vouchers available during Easter holidays in Norfolk
The County Council's received funding to offer vouchers
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
Children eligible for free school meals, will be offered them during the Easter holidays thanks to Norfolk County Council.
A child from a family that received benefits is eligible for a ÂŁ15 voucher per week, a total of ÂŁ30 for the entire break.
The one-off funding for the scheme comes from the Department of Work and Pensions' winter hardship support. Norfolk County Council has received an additional ÂŁ952,000 from the fund, much of which will be used to provide free school meal vouchers during Easter.
Schools can order the food vouchers for pupils using an online service and families can receive the codes by email to redeem themselves or as a voucher provided by post, collection or delivery to families without internet access.
Some schools may also be offering food parcels, parents and carers should contact their school office to see what they are providing.
Councillor John Fisher, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, said:
"I am delighted that we've been able to extend this scheme to cover the Easter holiday. It will be families' first opportunity to spend some quality time together following the return to school. I hope that by issuing these vouchers, parents can focus on this time, rather than worrying about where their children's next meal is coming from during this challenging period."
Children are eligible for the vouchers if their family receives one of the benefits listed below:
Universal Credit - with an annual earned income of no more than ÂŁ7,400 after tax
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Support under Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
Working Tax Credit run-on (paid for the four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit)
Child Tax Credit (with no Working Tax Credit) with an annual gross income of no more than ÂŁ16,190
Children in years reception to two that receive Universal infant Free School Meals are not eligible as part of the scheme; they have to be eligible for means-tested Free School Meals.