Sheffield City Council have announced it will be providing free school meals vouchers to children who need them over half term week.
Free School Meal Vouchers From Sheffield City Council
22,000 vouchers are to be provided by Sheffield City Council to fund free ‘school meals’ over half term.
The Council have committed to offering the vouchers, despite central government voting down the proposal in parliament this week.
“Following the decision by Government not to support free school meals over the half term, I feel strongly enough to make sure children and young people in Sheffield don’t go hungry over the holidays”Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council
Free School Meal Vouchers for Sheffield Children
Vouchers will be provided to children and young people who are eligible for free school meals.
Each voucher is to the value of £15 per child, per week, which is in line with the proposals which were rejected by the government.
22,000 children are currently in receipt of free school meals, meaning the total cost to the council stands at £330,000.
“This is something that should be funded by central government. It should not be down to individual councils creating a postcode lottery for whether children go hungry or not. However, it is clear after what happened this week that the government are willing to stand by and do nothing, as a council we are not.”Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council
Free School Meals over Tier 3 Lockdown
This half term will coincide with the implementation of the Sheffield City Region moving into ‘Very High’ Tier 3 lockdown.
Provision of Free School Meal vouchers are particularly welcome considering that increasing numbers of families in the city will be facing uncertainty at this time.
“As we move into Tier 3, increased numbers of families across the city will be facing financial hardship, especially as we enter the winter months. The vouchers will provide support to people who are most in need and even though the council budget is under massive pressures due to COVID-19, it feels like the right thing to do.Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council
The Council state they will work with schools and communities to distribute the vouchers.
“No child should go hungry; I hope this support goes someway in stopping that and encourages everyone who needs the help to claim it.”Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council
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Romee Latif-Meah
23 October 2020 at 14:33
How are the council sending these vouchers to children?
James Hargreaves
23 October 2020 at 14:40
Hi! The Council haven’t provided full details yet but have said they “will work with schools and communities to distribute the vouchers” — I would assume they will be giving them out to eligible children via their schools (or community service). I suggest contacting your current free school meals provider (i.e. school) for more details.
Jonathan Hill
24 October 2020 at 03:19
Is there any funding/support pages that those who are able to contribute can, Sheffield council shouldn’t foot the bill entirely for the central governments shortcomings and this is something that should be funded well. Children deserve to be fed, parents can’t manage because of furlough, or job losses due to CV19 should not be left out in the cold of society.
James Hargreaves
24 October 2020 at 13:22
I don’t think there is anything specifically to donate to this as such, but lots of pubs/restaurants, etc, have set up drives to help the less fortunate in their areas along similar terms. Of course there are lots of food banks around the city that could do with help for their causes too. 🙂