Free school meal vouchers will be available for around 50,000 eligible pupils across Essex over the Christmas holiday thanks to renewed funding from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The funding of £1.5m covering the period December 21 – January 4 has been allocated by Essex County Council from its Household Support Fund grant. The fund aims to support those in most need this winter with the cost of food, energy, water bills and other essentials.
Vouchers will be sent to parents of eligible children and young people via their school, college or early years setting before the holidays start. They are worth £15 a week per child and can be used to buy food in most supermarkets. The scheme will be coordinated by Wonde, a national provider of free school meal vouchers.
In addition, the council will be running clubs, trips and family Christmas experiences through its ActivAte Programme. The clubs are open to young people eligible for free school meals, as well as children from working families who may be struggling financially and require extra childcare support.
In Brightlingsea, there’s the Mainstream Club for 5-11 year-olds which runs in the YMCA from 10am to 2pm. Email [email protected] for more information.
Support for residents including help with heating costs, foodbanks, and help with Household essentials can be found here- www.essex.gov.uk/cost-of-living
To find out what ActiVate clubs and christmas experiences are happening visit: www.activeessex.org/children-young-people/essex-activate/activate-your-winter/
