Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges are set to benefit from free school meals support during the February half term holidays, through a council funded scheme.
The scheme provides free meal provision to vulnerable families who have been particularly affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.
Primary and secondary school pupils who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive a food voucher up to the value of £40 or equivalent, to cover the cost of food for the half term week directly through their schools.
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.
Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Family Services, and Young People’s Attainment, said:
“We understand the huge impact that the pandemic has had on individuals and families across Herefordshire. The winter months are proving very tough for many people financially, and the cost of living keeps on rising, so I’m very pleased that Herefordshire Council is continuing to provide this support for local families.
“Primary and secondary schools will be contacting parents and carers in good time to let them know that they are entitled to the free school meal vouchers, and how to receive them.
“Please contact your child’s school directly if you have an eligible child and haven’t heard by half term, or if you think you might qualify. You can check your eligibility and apply through the free school meals page on the council’s website. We want to be sure that all families who need vouchers receive them.”
For more information about the free school meals scheme for the February half term holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm
