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Council will support children eligible for free school meals this February half term
Bristol City Council will use funding received from the Government’s Winter Grant Scheme to support 20,000 pupils across the city over February half term.
Children and young people who are eligible for free school meals will receive £15 of shopping vouchers for the half term holiday. Families will be able to buy food from major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Morrison’s.
“In these times of austerity we need to do all we can to help vulnerable children, young people and families who are struggling,” said mayor Marvin Rees.
is needed now More than ever
“It is important that we maximise all sources of funding available to help, which is why we ring-fenced £300,000 from the COVID Winter Grant Scheme when we originally received it, to ensure no child or young person is left hungry during February half term.”
The announcement from the council comes after continued dismay in response to the Government’s free school meals while most children are at home and numerous fundraisers were started to support children in the city.
Central Government initially contracted a private company to deliver food bags to children receiving free school meals, but national outcry prompted a u-turn and return to a voucher system.
A food parcel given to one Bristol family by the privately contracted company. Photo: Erika Coombs
“There has been nothing but confusion with regards to the government’s response to free school meals provision during the pandemic,” Rees adds.
“Moving forward we will be urging them to provide more certainty on how support will be provided for upcoming school holidays such as Easter.”
All children and young people who are eligible for free school meals in Bristol, ranging from schools, early years and Post-16 settings will be able to receive help over the upcoming holidays.
“I’m delighted that we’re able to continue to support children and young people who are in most need of our help during February half term,” says Anna Keen, cabinet member for education and skills.
“It’s so important that we can offer this lifeline to those families who may be facing hardship during the pandemic.
“Many have been badly affected by coronavirus, losing their jobs and incomes, so it’s important that we continue to support our communities to get through these tough times”
Main photo: FareShare South West
Read more: Fundraiser started in response to ‘dire food parcels provided to those in need’
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