Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges are set to benefit from free school meals support during the summer holidays, through a council funded scheme.

Primary and secondary school pupils who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive a food voucher up to the value of Ā£90 or equivalent, to cover the cost of food for the summer holidays 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.

Since the scheme beganĀ in October 2020, over 3,900 Herefordshire children have received a free school meal voucher prior to each of the school holidays.

Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Childrenā€™s and Family Services, and Young Peopleā€™s Attainment, said:

ā€œThe rise in the cost of living is proving very tough for many people financially, so Iā€™m very pleased that Herefordshire Council is continuing to provide this support for local families.

ā€œPrimary 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.

ā€œPlease contact your childā€™s school directly if you have an eligible child and havenā€™t heard from them as we approach the summer holidays, or if you think you might qualify. You can check your eligibility and apply through theĀ free school meals pageĀ on the councilā€™s website. We want to be sure that all families who need vouchers receive them.ā€

For more information about the free school meals scheme for the summer holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm