Council confirms free school meal vouchers scheme
WILL RECEIVE £15
HULL City Council has confirmed it will continue to offer vouchers for families receiving free school meals throughout the October half term as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to be felt.
The vouchers during school holidays were first introduced as a measure during the early days of the pandemic and their continuation over the summer holidays was lobbied by footballer Marcus Rashford who championed the issue.
The scheme provided vital support for thousands of families across Hull during some of the most difficult months of lockdown and of the pandemic.
The council has confirmed that this support will continue and children who live in Hull and are currently receiving free school meals will be given a £15 voucher for this October half term.
Around 12,500 families currently receive free school meals in Hull and these families will be sent a text or an email asking them to choose the supermarket of their choice, vouchers for their chosen supermarket will then be sent directly to the family.
Councillor Shane Mcmurray, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services said: “Many families rely on free school meals, and I am pleased we can help families with these vouchers for meals. This will help children to be healthier and happier.”
The vouchers are funded through the Covid local support grant scheme, aimed predominantly at supporting families with children, to help with food and fuel.
The council has also announced that thousands of young people and families in Hull benefited from free activities and food this summer, through the Healthy Holidays Hull programme.
In total, more than 21,000 people attended the play days in Queens Gardens, Alderman Kneeshaw and Pearson Park, and community beach days in Bransholme, Ings and King George V playing fields.
One thousand activity sessions took place, which were attended by a total of 32,756 people.
Food was provided every day of the programme with 25,737 packed lunches and snack packs provided by Hull Catering, 1500 hot family meals for four people were produced by community project EMS, based at the Freedom Centre, and many other community providers served hot meals.
Children got involved in circus skills, boxing, kayaking, music, animal storytelling, football, street dance and gardening. There were dedicated SEND sessions, including rock climbing, dance, swimming and wheelchair rugby.
Over 50 community providers helped deliver the extensive activity and food programme, supported through youth network grants.
The Healthy Lifestyles team were on hand to provide advice and information to families, and free fruit tasters were given to people attending.
Councillor Shane Mcmurray
said: “I am delighted that we have received excellent feedback from children, young people and their families about the events and activities.
“It’s important that the activities were free, varied and accessible right across the city, so children from toddlers through to teens can find something to get involved with.”
Planning is now taking place for the Christmas holidays, where families will be able to access festive activities and events, with food available.