Important to keep support in place through Easter holidays says Hereford food bank
Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils in Herefordshire who are entitled to free school meals have a food voucher to use through the period
A Hereford food bank says it is vital support remains in place for families over the Easter holidays.
Over 4,700 primary and secondary school pupils in Herefordshire who are entitled to free school meals have a food voucher to use through the period, available through the government's Household Support Fund (HSF).
Herefordshire Council say it aims the voucher aims to cover the cost of a lunchtime meal during the holidays.
Helen Parker is the manager at Hereford food bank, she says they've had a busy start to the year again and being able to put things like easter eggs into their food parcels at this time of year can be a nice addition for families.
"I think that the free school meals initiative through the holidays is invaluable and I'm so glad it's been continued," she said.
"We see a lot of people that are just over the threshold for those free school meals that aren't eligible, so might not have that voucher and we're seeing a lot more people that have never used a food bank before needing our support.
"From January until the end of March, we provided enough food for 27,962 meals, so I think that puts things into perspective about the demand on us as a food bank and other food banks in the area."