Children in Norfolk to continue getting free dinners during half-term
The council will still give out the vouchers over the February break
Children across Norfolk will still get their school dinners during the February half term.
The county council has revealed it will still be giving out £15 food vouchers for those who get free school meals during the break.
During the Christmas break, more than 27,000 vouchers were given out and councillors are expecting that to be similar during the half term.
Schools can order the supermarket gift cards for pupils using an online service and families can receive the codes by email to redeem themselves or as a gift card 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:
"It is imperative we make sure children in our county are happy, healthy and fed during this difficult time. I hope that by providing these vouchers, families can focus on spending some quality time together this half term."
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 £7,400 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 £16,190
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.
For more information and to apply for free school meals, visit the Norfolk County Council website.