The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that vulnerable children and those eligible for free school meals will once again receive food vouchers during the October half-term.
The £157,470 funding for the vouchers has been provided from the £1.1 million awarded to the authority through Covid Household Support Fund, issued by Department for Work and Pensions. It is aimed at supporting vulnerable households with food, utility bills, and other household expenses.
Andre: No child should go hungry over the school holiday
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet lead for Children’s Services, Education and Lifelong Skills, said,
“It is vitally important to us that no child should go hungry over the school holiday. That is why I am pleased to announce that funding will once again be provided to over 5,000 children across the Island.
“I’d like to thank our partners in the childcare, early years, schools and college settings that have played a role in ensuring food vouchers reach eligible families as quickly as possible, in time for half-term.”
Ahead of the October half-term holiday, funding has been rapidly distributed to schools, colleges and early years providers to supply each eligible household a £15 voucher for each child.
Who is eligible
Food vouchers will be given to:
- all families whose children are eligible for benefits related free school meals;
- children being supported by a social worker;
- children receiving early help services from the council’s Family Support Service;
- 2 to 4-year-olds accessing childcare and eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium;
- 16 to 18-year-olds who were previously eligible for free school meals.
The council is in talks with partners to consider the most effective approach to using the remainder of the funding.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Charlein Gracia under CC BY 2.0
