Free school meal voucher scheme could be extended until the end of the academic year

21 February 2022

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will discuss the funding for benefits-related Free School Meals for the remainder of the academic year, at its Executive tomorrow.

If agreed the council will provide shopping vouchers for families with children who are eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals with vouchers being distributed to the families by their schools during the Easter holidays and the May half-term.

Under the scheme, each eligible child is provided with a £15 meal voucher to pay for lunches.

The funding would come from the Government’s Household Support Grant, with £306,000 being spent during the Easter break and £153,000 in the May half-term.

Since the council came into being in April 2021, the funding for free school meal holiday vouchers has been £1,950,000 to date.

It’s almost two years since the pandemic started and these have been very challenging times.

However, some families have struggled severely, and I’m delighted that we can provide this additional support for those who are in most need of our help.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the council

This scheme has already made a big difference for many children and I’m pleased that we are able to keep offering this support.

I’m proud that North Northamptonshire Council at this time can provide a helping hand.Cllr Scott Edwards the council’s executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills

Without additional funding being available the scheme is likely to run until the end of this academic year before support returns to their pre-covid levels.