Published on Monday 22 June 2020
Vulnerable families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will now receive free school meal vouchers during the school summer holidays.
BCP Council welcomes the change in decision by government to support families who are in need and extend the voucher scheme during the summer holidays. It means that eligible families will receive £15 food shopping voucher per child per week throughout the summer.
Councillor Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families Services, said:
"This is a really difficult time for everyone right now but in particular for low income families who, through no fault of their own, are finding it hard to make ends meet and feed their families. I welcome the latest news from government as it means our most vulnerable families continue to receive support whilst the schools are closed for the summer."
If a family is eligible for free school meals their school will be in touch about the voucher scheme. If a family thinks they are newly eligible they should contact their school as soon as possible.
Families may be eligible if they receive:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit run-on
- Universal Tax Credit
More information is available online about accessing food if vulnerable or isolated.