Town hall to give pupils free meals in half-term
NO child in Kirklees will go hungry this half-term as the council has stepped up to provide free school meals.
Thanks to government grant funding, Kirklees Council will be providing eligible families with free school meal vouchers for the upcoming October school break, with some of those families also receiving money towards their household fuel bills.
With each voucher worth £15, more than 15,000 children and young people are thought to be eligible for the scheme, with households that qualify for means-tested free school meals also eligible to receive an additional £10 to help with rising fuel costs.
“We are determined to tackle inequalities and give all of our children the best possible start in life,” said Kirklees Council leader Shabir Pandor.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had its biggest impact on those who are disadvantaged. We will make a huge difference by providing free school meal vouchers and making an extra payment to help certain families with their fuel bills.
“When schools are open, eligible children receive meals and nutrition for free – and when the holidays come around, they don’t stop being hungry.”
“A healthy diet can make a profound difference to a young person’s wellbeing, both mentally and physically, so we are pleased to provide vouchers once again.”
Alongside the additional voucher scheme, Cllr Pandor also reiterated a sense of solidarity and support with families that may be struggling.
“Food and fuel bills are a serious problem for many families, especially in the holidays when children are at home instead of in school.
“It’s vital that those families know they have our support. At what remains an incredibly tough time, we are standing alongside them.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said: “We will work alongside our schools and make sure the money reaches those who need it. We couldn’t run this scheme without the support of schools, so I thank them for their contribution.
“Our package for October half-term is only one aspect of the council’s support for local communities. I would urge anyone who is struggling financially to check what could be available to them.”
All families who currently receive free school meals will be provided with a food voucher, while those in receipt of certain benefits will receive the additional £10.