Herefordshire Council makes free school meal pledge for holidays

A council has committed to continuing to provide free school meals for children over the Easter holidays.

Primary and secondary school pupils in Herefordshire who are entitled to benefits-related free school meals will be given vouchers to cover the cost of lunch during the break from school.

Carole Gandy, from Herefordshire Council, said: “The rise in the cost of living is proving to be very difficult for many people.

“This additional support is really important for families with children that may be struggling financially.”

The vouchers, worth up to £30, are funded through the council’s Household Support Fund, which comes from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The support fund aims to help anyone who is vulnerable or cannot pay for essentials.

The vouchers will be provided directly through schools, while children who are not at school and entitled to the early years pupil premium will receive them in the post.

The council said more than 4,700 pupils would benefit from the scheme this Easter.

Currently, eligible families have to apply for free school meals for their children, although a group of MPs recently called for them to be enrolled automatically.