By Leah Conway –
Kirklees council have announced that eligible families will be able to get free school meal vouchers during the upcoming school holidays.
In Kirklees, around 17,000 children and young people will receive the vouchers. Each voucher is worth £30 per child for the two-week break. The vouchers will total around £500,000 to cover families across Kirklees and is funded from a government grant.
The vouchers are essential to keep supporting families to tackle hunger and inequality. The support remains especially important with the increasing household bills and cost of living.
Local schools are working with the council to ensure that the eligible families.
“Major positive impact”
Mel Meggs, Strategic Director for Children’s Services, said: “Vouchers have been provided during previous school holidays and we know they have a major positive impact.
“There are clear links between children having a healthy lifestyle and being able to achieve well at school. It’s essential that we do everything possible to promote good outcomes.
“We want all of our children and young people to have the best possible start in life, overcoming any barriers they face and fulfilling their lifelong potential.
“By providing free school meal vouchers to cover school holidays, we can prevent any break in the nutritional support they receive during term-time.”
The council also provide financial advice and support, which you can access on the Kirklees Council website.