Free school meals for children during holidays
Summer holidays 2025
We are managing a scheme that ensures over 4,700 children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges will receive financial support during the summer holidays.
The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government's Household Support Fund.
This scheme aims to support vulnerable families who have been particularly affected financially by the rise in the cost of living.
How you receive your voucher
Under the scheme, primary and secondary aged school pupils who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals will receive a food voucher for the value of £90 or equivalent, for the summer holidays, directly through their schools.
Parents and carers of primary and secondary school aged children who already receive benefits-related free school meals will be contacted by their school before the holidays.
If your child receives benefits-related free school meals during term time but you haven't been contacted before the holidays, please get in touch with your child's school directly.
Children who are eligible for the early years pupil premium and are not in a school setting, will receive a voucher posted directly from Herefordshire Council.
If you do not currently receive benefits-related free school meals, but think that you might be eligible, please contact your child's school, or check your eligibility and apply on the free school meals page.
Free summer holiday activities for eligible children
Herefordshire Council's 'Here for Herefordshire Holidays' children's summer activities programme is open for bookings!
Parents of children (from reception to year 11) who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can now book up to 16 sessions (approximately 64 hours) of free activities for their child to use between Monday 28 July and Friday 22 August.
Children can try out new and exciting activities, from trampolining to horse riding, cheerleading, circus school and parkour, with lots more to choose from.
Every child that attends an activity will be offered a free healthy meal.
Places are limited, so book your child's place now through the council's Talk Community Directory.