Families will be able to claim the supermarket vouchers during holiday periods, not just term time.
The government has announced that families eligible for free school meals will receive supermarket vouchers over the school Easter holiday period. This is a u-turn from a decision last week, which previously stated the vouchers would not be granted outside of term time.
Qualifying families will now be able to claim shopping vouchers of £15 per week per child to help with grocery costs. This is a great move, ensuring children don’t go hungry during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the leader’s union NAHT, told The Mirror: “The government is doing the right thing in stepping forward and making sure all children continue to access the food they need.”
With the general public tightening purse strings across the country due to furloughs, redundancies, and higher bills due to coronavirus, this extra funding will go a long way in the households that need it most.
The families who are eligible for these supermarket vouchers are being sent either an e-voucher or gift card worth £15, and can spend it at the supermarket chains listed below:
- Morrisons
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Asda
- Waitrose
- M&S
Children of key workers who are still attending school and usually receive free school meals will continue to do so.
The government is still considering plans of how to support children who receive free breakfasts through schemes such as Family Action and Magic Breakfast. We will hopefully hear an update on this matter soon.
If your household income has stopped or reduced due to coronavirus and you did not qualify for free school meals in the past, you may do so now. Therefore you too will be able to access these supermarket vouchers. Check your local authority website to find out how to apply.
