Thousands of Herefordshire children and young people in nurseries, schools, and colleges are set to benefit from free school meals support during the Christmas holidays.

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 £40 or equivalent, to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the Christmas 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.

Councillor Diana Toynbee, Cabinet Member for Children’s and Family Services, and Young People’s Attainment, said: “I’m very pleased that the DWP grant has enabled the council to continue to provide the free school meals support for local families this Christmas. The rise in the cost of living is proving very tough for many people and Christmas will be a time when families feel it the most, so this additional support is vital.

“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.

“We want to be sure that all families who need vouchers 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 Christmas 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.”

The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government’s Household Support Fund to support vulnerable families who are struggling financially.

For more information about the Herefordshire free school meals scheme for the Christmas holidays, visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/holidaysfsm School children aged from 5 to 16 (reception to year 11) who are eligible for benefits related free school meals can also enjoy free activities this Christmas through the Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme. For more information, visit www.talkcommunity.org/holidayactivities/