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 £30 or equivalent directly through their schools, to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the holidays.

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 the council.

For more information about the Herefordshire Easter holidays food voucher scheme, visit the council website. 

Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Household Support Fund has enabled the council to continue to provide the free school meals support for local families this Easter.”

Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, added:

“The rise in the cost of living is proving to be very difficult for many people, so this additional support is really important for families with children that may be struggling financially.”

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.

For more information about the support available for low-income households, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, care leavers and disabled people, visit the council Household Support Fund webpage.