£280,000 Government funding to provide food vouchers for more than 6,000 local children

£280,000 Government funding to provide food vouchers for more than 6,000 local children

£280,000 of government funding money is being used to provide food vouchers for more than 6,000 local children.

Thousands of North Lincolnshire families will receive the food vouchers to help support them during the Christmas holidays.

All children in receipt of free school meals will be provided with vouchers worth £15 per week to assist them over the festive break.

To ensure other age groups don’t miss out, pre-school children and 16-18 year olds with similar family income levels will also be provided with vouchers.

North Lincolnshire Council has received the funding through the Government’s £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which includes a £220 million expansion to next year’s Holiday Activities and Food programme and an increase to Healthy Start Scheme payments.

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“As in the October half term, we will again be providing vouchers to support to those families who need a helping hand this winter and through Covid”.

“This has been a challenging year for all of us and Christmas time can be a source of additional anxiety for many”.

This additional funding will make a big difference to thousands of local people and will be targeted to help those families stay safe and well through the winter months.

He added:

“Over the past few months our communities have come together to support each other through challenging times”.

“While some of the rules are being relaxed over the Christmas period, I would urge everyone to remain safe and protect their loved ones at the same time as enjoying the festivities”.

Eligible families need not take any action as vouchers will be distributed via schools or in some cases, direct to family homes.

Photo: North Lincolnshire Council.