'Important' children entitled to free school meals are supported through half-term - Herefordshire councillor
Over 4,700 young people will get food vouchers through May half-term to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the break
A Herefordshire councillor has labelled the support in place over the May half-term for those who are entitled to free school meals as crucial.
Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils, who are entitled to benefits related free school meals will receive a free food voucher up to the value of £15 or equivalent, directly through their schools - to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the break.
New data released last week from charity Trussell showed nearly 245,000 (243,987) emergency food parcels were provided to people across the West Midlands between April 2024 and March 2025, with 86,000 of these provided for children.
Ivan Powell is the cabinet member for children's services at Herefordshire Council, he says making sure this support stays in place is vital.
He said: "It is really important that we're able to offer this facility to support children to have meals during the half-term holidays.
"We all understand the pressures that have been bought on whole communities, but in particular families and children through what is known as the cost of living crisis.
"To be able to offer vouchers and extend support through the school holiday period ensures they've got that stability of income for that purpose whilst they're not in school."
The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government's Household Support Fund.
The free school meals food voucher scheme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the government's Household Support Fund.
The scheme aims to support vulnerable families who are struggling financially due to the rise in the cost of living.