Council Steps In To Provide Free School Meals
Written by HFM News on 27th October 2020
Free school meals are to be provided to disadvantaged children across Leicestershire during school holiday for the rest of the academic year.
The Council Council has stepped in after the government’s controversial decision to refuse to extend the scheme last week.
It has allocated £500,000, which will benefit 12,000 youngsters who are eligible for free school meals.
Council leader, Nick Rushton, said: “Times are still tough – and we simply can’t have children going hungry during the pandemic. So we’re stepping up to plug the gap and help thousands of families who need support.
“Our schools have already had their half-term but we’re committing funding for the rest of this school year. Not only is this the right thing to do, it underlines our commitment to providing the help and support our children and families need.”
Details of the scheme are being finalised.
Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, has welcomed the announcement:
Northamptonshire County Council has also said it will fund free school meals vouchers during the current half-term break in the county.
