Plans under way to roll out free school meal scheme in Hertfordshire this February half-term

Stock picture, credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire

Plans are under way to roll out a free school voucher scheme or similar during the February half-term.

Hertfordshire County Council’s (HCC) free school meal scheme entitled more than 20,000 children and young people to receive food vouchers during the Christmas holidays.

The scheme, funded by the government’s Covid-19 Winter Grant Scheme, provided eligible families with a £30 digital supermarket voucher per entitled child to cover the two week  festive period.

While 85 per cent of families have downloaded their vouchers, a small number are yet to validate theirs and HCC want to ensure as many youngsters have access to the additional funding for food.

The last day to download these vouchers is Thursday, February 11 when, after this point, the Christmas holiday scheme will close.

The vouchers do not need to be spent by this date as most supermarket providers will allow at least 12 months before expiry.

Terry Douris, executive member for  education, libraries and localism, said: “We’re delighted that so many families engaged with the scheme and made use of the supermarket vouchers over the festive season – we hope it took some pressure off  parents and carers at this difficult time.

“We still want to ensure that every child who was entitled to a free school meal over the Christmas holidays can access that support, and so I’d encourage those remaining families who have yet to download their vouchers to please do so before the  deadline.

“There is help on hand if you’re not familiar with the online process or need the information in an alternative format.”

Plans are now under way to roll out the voucher scheme, or similar, again during February half-term, and entitled families will be contacted about this directly by their schools and colleges.

HCC is also developing a holiday activity and food programme for children in partnership with Herts Sports Partnership and Hertfordshire Community Foundation.

The programme will ensure that children across the county have access to enriching activities and healthy food across the Easter, summer and winter holidays.

HCC says it has seen a consistent increase in applications for free school meals since the end of last year. Support is available for families who need it.

For further information, or to make an application, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

HertsHelp may also be able to provide advice and practical support.

Call 0300 123 4044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit www.hertshelp.net

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