Bedford Borough Council continues to support families during half term

Bedford Borough children eligible for income-related free school meals will continue to receive food vouchers during the half term holiday.

So far, £130,880 worth of vouchers are being directly issued to parents of 6,454 eligible children and young people to help with the cost of shopping for food over the half term holiday. Each voucher is redeemable from a range of local retailers.

The free school meals food vouchers scheme is part of the package of support launched by Bedford Borough Council and voluntary sector partners for families and households before Christmas and will run at least until 31 March as the Council looks to address food inequality in the Borough.

Councillor Michael Headley, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Welfare said "The pandemic continues to have a huge impact on residents in the Borough. The Council and partners have been working hard to support families and households through it. We know that there are people who have never needed help before but the impact of COVID has hit them hard. Please do get in touch if you think you need support as soon as possible. No child in Bedford Borough should go hungry."

Over the Christmas period the Council provided £203,890 worth of free school meals food vouchers to 6,264 eligible children and young people.

The Council and Bedford Borough schools are encouraging more families to register and apply for free school meals, so that they begin to receive the support they need.

To find out if you are eligible and to register for free school meals visit www.bedford.gov.uk/schools-education-and-childcare/education-welfare-service/free-school-meals/