Council extends free school meals support for Herefordshire children

Over 3,200 primary and secondary school pupils in Herefordshire are set to receive free school meals support during the February and Easter half term holidays.

The scheme was originally introduced at Christmas to provide support to vulnerable individuals and households with children, particularly affected by the pandemic during the winter months.

The council’s decision to continue to support the free school meals provision throughout the holidays will help to ensure that vulnerable Herefordshire families don’t go hungry.

Under the extended scheme primary and secondary school pupils who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive meal provision up to the value of £15 to cover the cost of food for the week of the February half term holidays and up to £33 to cover meals for the longer Easter break through their schools.

Parents and carers of primary and secondary school age children that are already in receipt of benefits related free school meals will be contacted by their school prior to the holidays.

Councillor Felicity Norman, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “We know the pandemic has had a devastating impact on individuals and families across Herefordshire.  The winter months are proving to be incredibly difficult for many people, and as the situation continues it is vital that we support the most vulnerable members of our communities for a longer period of time.

“Primary and secondary schools will be contacting parents and carers in good time to let them know that they are entitled to the benefits related free school meals and how they will receive them.  Families with an eligible child that haven’t received information by the holidays should get in touch with their child’s school direct.”