Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges will continue to receive free school meals support during the May half term school holidays.
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 £15 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 May half term holidays food voucher scheme, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm
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.
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“School holidays can be an expensive time for parents and carers, so I’m pleased that the government’s Household Support Fund has enabled us to continue to run the food vouchers scheme in Herefordshire.”
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, added:
“This additional support is really important for families with children that are struggling financially due to the rise in the cost of living and will hopefully help with the extra expense incurred during school holidays.”
More information about additional support for residents can be found on the council’s Household Support Fund webpage.