Christmas 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 £30 or equivalent, for the Christmas 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 fun activities for eligible children this Christmas
Parents and carers in Herefordshire can now book up to 16 hours of free, fun-filled activities for their children during the Christmas holidays through the Here for Herefordshire Christmas Activities Programme.
Children from Reception to Year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals are eligible to take part.
Activities include:
- Cheerleading
- Parkour and breakdancing
- Football camps
- Christmas cooking and crafts
- Digital skills and coding
Every child attending will also receive a free healthy meal.
Parents and carers can book their child's activities from Wednesday 3 December 2025 on the Here for Herefordshire Holidays Programme page on Talk Community.
The Here for Herefordshire Christmas Activities Programme (funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by Herefordshire Council’s Talk Community Team) is designed to support families and keep children active and engaged during the festive season.