Council secures meals for vulnerable children over the festive period

Vulnerable children in North East Lincolnshire will not have to go hungry this Christmas.

North East Lincolnshire Council has announced that it has worked with local schools and academies to ensure that children who qualify for free school meals will continue to receive them throughout the festive holidays.

The Council originally agreed to supply meals to local children during the October half term break following a campaign by footballer Marcus Rashford.

The announcement that those entitled to free school meals will not go hungry this Christmas will be a reassurance to many families who have been hit especially hard during the pandemic.

Some 6,411 children and young people in our area are eligible for free school meals. The Council will be working with local schools to provide these youngsters with vouchers to buy food in local supermarkets.

Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, education and young people, said: “This pandemic has hit families particularly hard this year. There are a lot of families who will have seen their income dramatically reduce.

“Children must not go hungry – at Christmas as much as any other time of year – and I’m pleased that we’re stepping forward to ensure that no child in our patch does go hungry this Christmas.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this project, especially our local schools and academies, for working with us to ensure that plans could be put in place early.”

Food vouchers, which can be used at local supermarkets to purchase food only, are being distributed by local schools.