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Free school meals extended through Easter holidays

Community Advice and Support
13:43, Friday, 12th February 2021

North Lincolnshire Council will extend its scheme to provide free schools meals to thousands of children across the Easter break.

The council has recognised the exceptional and challenging circumstances families are facing and that extra support, in some cases, is needed.

Government cash in the form of Covid-19 grants will be used to provide £15 a week to around 6,000 children to extend the scheme which has already covered the autumn half term, Christmas holidays and the coming half-term.

Parents will receive vouchers direct.

Cllr Rob Waltham, the leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We recognise the exceptional and challenging circumstances some families find themselves due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The vaccine roll out is continuing at pace and the impact of that will begin to make a difference in the coming weeks.

“We are anticipating being able to begin to take the first tentative steps towards opening society back up through the Spring but in the meantime we know this support needs to continue.

“This is latest part of a significant Government investment which has been made to support families through Covid-19.”

Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We are experiencing unprecedented times and this extension of the free school meals for vulnerable children during the Easter holiday recognises this.

“Those significant challenges have had to be met with an unprecedented response. The impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt and this additional support to those families and children who need it the most will be welcomed I am sure.”