Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools and colleges will continue to receive free school meals support during the Christmas 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 £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 free school meals scheme for the Christmas holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm
Councillor Ivan Powell, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:
“I’m really pleased that the DWP grant has enabled the council to continue to provide the free school meals support for local families over the Christmas holidays. 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.”
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.