Council continues free school meals support for Herefordshire children

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 £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 began 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 Children’s and Family Services, and Young People’s Attainment, said: “The rise in the cost of living is proving very tough for many people financially, 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 from them as we approach the summer holidays, 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 summer holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm