Kids on free school meals to get £15 weekly vouchers this summer

‘PLEASED WE CAN HELP’: Councillor Shane McMurray

Thousands of children in Hull who receive free school meals are to be given vouchers worth £15 a week through the summer holidays.

Their families will be sent a text or an email asking them to name the supermarket of their choice at which to use the vouchers, which will then be sent directly to them.

About 12,500 families in the city currently receive free school meals.

Councillor Shane McMurray, portfolio holder for children’s services at Hull City Council, said: “Many families rely on free school meals, and the summer holidays can put a huge strain on family budgets.

“Not only will we be providing a range of activities for children and young people, but we are pleased we can also help families with vouchers for meals. This will mean that during the long holiday children can be healthier and happier.”

The vouchers will be funded through the Covid local support grant scheme, aimed predominantly at supporting families with children, to help with food and fuel.

The council continues to work with primary and secondary schools via the Learning Partnership to develop a city-wide approach to keeping children safe, supporting learning, and providing access to school for children of key workers and those considered vulnerable.